James O. Garrett

Jim was born in Prineville, Oregon, on May 7, 1932 to Clayton Garrett and Velma Aldrich Garrett. His formative years were spent on the Big Muddy Ranch (Currently known as Young Life Camp), where his father was foreman. Jim got to roam around 100,000 acres of open prairie. He even took himself so far from his home at 3 years of age that he became lost all night. He finally was found as his dog was bringing him back home. His only memory is of large cows that circled him at night. As he grew older he learned to harness and control horses, helped with haying, drove tractor, built fences and helped with cattle drives. At the age of 9 his parents divorced and he attended school in Portland, Oregon. He had fond memories of Lincoln High School and singing in a men’s quartet with his three best friends. But he always spent summers and school vacations helping his dad at the ranch and enjoying the experience.

After attending Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Jim and a friend took two horses and a pack horse, and spent a month on the Skyline Trail. After that he enlisted in the draft for the U.S. Army. He was fortunate to spend two years, most of that time doing work in Stuttgart, Germany. During his days off he toured many other parts of Europe. After his duty he returned home and attended Willamette University Law School. While there, he worked part time as a teller at Ladd and Bush Bank and happily enjoyed the popular and well known delicious lunch at the Bank for only $.50. Lee Crawford, a Salem attorney who represented the bank and frequented lunch, became acquainted with Jim. One day he asked Jim if he would like to practice law in Salem, and join him as a partner. The deal was struck. Also, at that time he met an apartment neighbor, Margaret Bolt, and they quickly became friends. Now with a good job firmed up they decided to get married. They married on his birthday in May, 1961.

“Jim was the heart and soul of a law firm that would come to be known as Garrett Hemann and Robertson. Jim’s commitment to his profession, his clients, and his community was a bright example for those who followed in his wake. Jim gave back to the community and profession by serving on the Oregon Board of Governors and Board of Bar Examiners of the Oregon State Bar. He served on the original Board of the Professional Liability Fund, the first and only mandatory insurance provider for lawyers, which he helped establish in 1977. For many years he was the managing partner of his firm. Through his vision, leadership and collaboration with his partners, the firm grew to be one the largest in Salem.” (GHR)

Nearing Jim’s retirement, he was asked to reflect on his forty-one years of practice, and he said, “As a lawyer, I would hope that attorneys who have worked with me would say that I have a high degree of competence and professionalism, that I’m honest and ethical, and that I have always treated people fairly.” As a lawyer, he believed he had a duty to serve in various leadership positions on public volunteer boards and committees like the Salem Airport Advisory Commission. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts, providing guidance and organization to Troop 26 during his son, Patrick’s time in Scouting. He helped plan and take in their 50 mile hikes every summer for five years. He enjoyed the boys and also his friend, Roger Nelson, who also was a dedicated father. Later he chose a challenging job of taking 14 year old daughter, Anne, and three of her 14 year old friends on a two day hike into Jefferson Park Wilderness area by himself. The girls still talk and laugh about it today. He was a loving father, grandfather, and a wonderful husband. In retirement, he had the opportunity to do some traveling. He loved to ski. He was the attorney for the original sale of Hoo Doo Ski Bowl to a small group of Salem skiers. Then he got the Jr. Chamber of Commerce interested in being involved and they started the first Ski School there with a Saturday bus from Salem to Hoo Doo. Many 12 to 14 year olds leaped at the chance to participate in that activity. Besides skiing at several northwest ski resorts, he spent time traveling to China, Australia, Europe, Israel, and places in the United States. He also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and singing in the Just For Fun Singers. He is loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Maggie; son, Patrick (Coleen); daughter, Anne Thompson (David); sister, Frances Lee; four grandchildren, Brenna, Liam, Alexa (Jordan) and Samuel; two great grandchildren, Jaxon and Gracie; and several nieces and nephews.

His family is very grateful for the loving care he got from the staff at Capital Manor Asst. Living, especially towards the end of his life. A Memorial Service will be held at Capital Manor on Saturday, July 29th at 2:00pm. Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to OHSU Parkinson’s Disease Research.