The Journal for the Education of the Gifted has published a special issue dedicated to the pioneering life and work of James J. Gallagher.

When former FPG director James J. Gallagher died in January 2014, he had long become a beloved and internationally recognized expert on special education and gifted education.

“For many years, Dr. Gallagher was a mentor, colleague, and friend,” said FPG director Samuel L. Odom at the time, adding then that the former FPG director was irreplaceable. “With this grief, we also need to remember his great life and achievements.”

Gallagher’s career full of awards had continued nearly until the day he died. Just weeks before, UNC’s School of Education had honored him with the Peabody Award for his extraordinary contribution to the field of education.

As news of Gallagher’s passing spread, many more of his colleagues were quick to note a lifetime of priceless service. Now, the Journal for the Education of the Gifted has released an entire issue in tribute to Gallagher's work.

In their introduction for the special issue, the guest editors--Gallagher's longtime colleague and friend Mary Ruth Coleman and daughter Shelagh A. Gallagher--write that "Dr. James J. Gallagher believed that all children deserved the very best educational opportunities regardless of age, ability, or social status. His work addressed early intervention supports for young children and their families, special education services for students with disabilities, and the educational needs of students with gifts and talents."

They also note that Gallagher’s research helped to construct a base of knowledge "to support practice, inform policy, and shape educational theories" before adding that his "work encompassed all levels of education... He held that settling for a mediocre education was not an option."