James Edward Garrett

James Edward Garrett, 90, son of Lincoln Garrett and Leonore Kong Garrett was born June 1, 1932 in Greensboro, North Carolina. When James was approximately seven years old his family decided to relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1940. James acquired his high school GED in 1951 and in 1971 with diligent effort he acquired his high school diploma. James enlisted into the United States Air Force January 27, 1964. While in the air force, he took various courses such as Basic Personnel Principals and Supervisory courses just to mention a few. His primary job in the air force was Aircraft Prop Tech. James did military tours in Viet Nam, Korea, Saudi Arabia, England, Germany, Bolling AFB in Washington DC, (JBSA) Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and McClellan AFB in Sacramento California where he initiated his honorable discharge. James also received approximately twelve Decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons for his tireless military service. His official time in the air force was twenty-one years and three months his honorable discharge date was January 27, 1970.

While stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, he met Geneva Spells through a mutual friend, who introduced them. During their plutonic relationship, Geneva started giving James Bible studies and introducing him to the Seventh-day Adventist faith. He had been raised a Catholic and after many months of Bible study, church services, and being a part of the church family, he embraced the Adventist faith, and was baptized. He was a very devoted and active member in church and the members supported him. James loved his church family and friends who referred to him as “Jim”. He was eager to learn about Ellen G. White, the health message, and the second coming of Christ. Their plutonic relationship blossomed not only into a loving relationship for God, but a loving relationship for each other, and they were united in matrimony on June 24, 1968.

He always said she encouraged him to be better. They often gave weekly Bible studies in the home and even had their own church services in the home and provided a meal for those who participated. Geneva played the piano often in church and at home. James also started to play the piano with her and they enjoyed it together. They also bought a large RV and enjoyed traveling in the state, out of the state, and to Adventist camp meetings. Shortly after his discharge from the military, Geneva encouraged him to enroll in college. He chose to study for a degree in heating and air conditioning. Once he graduated from American River College, it did not take long for him to be hired at UC Davis Medical Center a very prestigious teaching hospital in Sacramento, California.

His career with the university started on August 1, 1973 as a Civil Engineer. He enjoyed his job for many years and his co-workers enjoyed his humor and always said he was a big talker. James retired from the university on April 1, 1991. He and Geneva decided to move to Florida and start a new chapter in their newly acquired retired lifestyle. Unfortunately, after approximately 32 years of being together, the marriage started to fall apart and their divorce was final July 1, 1999. They continued to live together for a short period of time after their divorce was final. However, Geneva returned to Sacramento where she currently resides with their daughter, Rene. During those erratic times in their marriage, the family was not aware that Geneva had started to show symptoms of dementia.

This is why the marriage failed. After she left Florida, James continued to inquire and was concerned about her wellbeing. He always offered to assist monetarily in any way that he could and showed genuine concern for her care and progress.

James, “Jim, or Dad” enjoyed helping family and people. He was very handy and was able to repair anything and would volunteer to repair anything. He loved his God and enjoyed talking about God and His ‘good news’. He was always humorous and enjoyed making jokes and wanted people to laugh. He embodied the spiritual word ‘agape’ and demonstrated it to everyone near and far. Mr./Master Sergeant

James E. Garrett was a true soldier in God’s army willing to fight for souls and will one day wear his golden crown proudly in the first resurrection, Amen.

James E. Garrett took his eternal rest early Sunday morning, November 20, 2022 at 7:20am. He was predeceased by his father, Lincoln Garrett and mother, Leonore Kong Garrett, brothers, Thomas L. Garrett, Francis Garrett and Joseph H. Garrett; son, Larry and daughter, Marilyn. He leaves to cherish his memory, daughter, Rene V. Brooks-Williams.

I would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation and special thanks to the hospital and hospice staff, who showed compassion, comfort care and understanding for Dad’s immediate medical needs. I would also like to acknowledge my gratefulness and thankfulness, to Dad’s special friends, Clara Collins and Justin Turner who stayed at Dad’s bedside through the tireless night vigils. Ms Doretta Dow and her family began a friendship with James that blossomed through the loving care he gave her mother Glenda. They sent for him to come to visit her family in Germany many times. Doretta will give more information about that friendship. I would also like to give my thanks and appreciation to Pastor Putt and the church family, who lovingly cared for Dad’s spiritual needs by those who read from the Bible to him, sang songs to him, and brought food to him. I humbly submit my deep appreciation and thanks to all of you, from so far away.

A fellowship meal for James will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 12:45 PM to 2:00 PM at Umatilla Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1400 N. Central Ave, Umatilla, Florida 32784, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Garrett family.