Jacob M. Galliher, Staff Sergeant, USAF (Fallen)
February 07, 1999 – November 29, 2023

United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Jacob “Jake” Michael Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, passed away November 29, 2023, after the CV-22 Osprey crash in Japan. He was based at Yokota Air Force Base in Western Tokyo, Japan.

Born on February 7, 1999, to Kimberly M. Krautter and Jon L. Galliher, Jake was raised in Pittsfield, MA where he was a 2017 graduate of Taconic High School.

Jacob has been recalled as an outstanding student, friend and teammate from many friends, staff, coaches, and teammates. He was an avid football player and was part of the 2017 Taconic Braves Western Mass Football Championship.

In addition to football, Jake loved baseball, basketball, snowboarding, water skiing as well as working out at the gym with his friends.

Upon graduation, Jacob joined the United States Air Force in August of 2017.

Jacob’s first assignment was to the 25th Intelligence Squadron in Hurlburt Field, FL, until August of 2022. Upon arriving in Japan, he served as a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operation Location – Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing. Jacob received many honors throughout his career. He was an Honor Graduate of Basic Military Training, a distinguished graduate of the Cryptologic Language Analyst course, an Honor graduate of the Defense Language Institute’s Chinese Language Course. He was fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Jacob was recognized with The Air Force Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.

Jacob is survived by his beautiful wife, Ivy Groshong-Galliher of Kirkland, WA., along with their two perfect sons, Malcolm age 2, and Killian age 9 weeks old. He was a beloved husband and father who fought to get back to his family.

Besides his wife and children, Jake is survived by his mother and father, Kim Krautter of Lanesborough and Jon Galliher of Pittsfield; as well as his stepfather, Tor Krautter and stepmother, Virgin Galliher.

Jake is also survived by his sisters, Jadyn Galliher and Courtney Beauchamp; his brothers, Nicholas and Zacharie Beauchamp; his stepbrother Aldrin John “AJ” Castillo; his uncle Paul Galliher “U.P.” and wife Marianne, with whom he shared a special relationship; his father in-law Adam Groshong; his grandparents Shelia Daugherty, Michael & Carol Daugherty and Alfred & Heidi Krautter; his aunts Happy, Megan, Lisa and Tonja; his uncles, Charles, Michael, Kevin, Matt and Jason; his cousins Tyler, Brody, Masen, Sarah, Elizabeth, Luke and Mary.

He also had a great bond and much love for his nephew and nieces, Christian, Amelia, Kyra and Aydria.
He was predeceased by his beloved paternal grandmother, Nellie Galliher in 2020.

The family and community are devastated by the loss of their wonderful husband, father, son, brother, classmate, friend, teammate, and Airman. We thank Jacob, as well as all our other United States Service Members, for their bravery to serve and protect our country. Our condolences are with the families of Jake’s crew who also lost their lives in service to their country.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 2 to 6 p.m. at ST. AGNES CHURCH, 489 Main St., Dalton, MA.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by Rev. Christopher Malatesta, Pastor. Burial will be private.

The funeral will be live-streamed at https://www.saintagnescc.com/index.html

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made payable to Jon Galliher for the benefit of Jacob’s wife and children. They may be mailed to Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201.