James Edward Garner

Colonel James “Jim” Edward Garner, United States Marine Corps, passed away on August 7, 2026, at the age of 104. Known as "the pipe smoking Colonel," he was easily spotted by his fellow Marines from a curl of smoke that became something of a signature.

Jim was born on November 12, 1921, in Baskin, Louisiana, where as a boy he worked as the town's paper boy. After graduating high school, he left for New Orleans and from there he embarked upon his military career by enlisting for the great war.

Colonel Garner devoted more than 33 years of his life to the United States Marine Corps, a career of service spanning three wars. He deployed with the Marines in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and was a combat veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the longest and costliest campaigns of the Pacific theater. During his remarkable career, he received a field commission, promoting from corporal to second lieutenant, a path to the officer corps reserved for the most exceptional leaders.

Over three decades of service, Colonel Garner earned the respect and admiration of the Marines who served alongside him. He carried himself with a quiet, steady authority. With all his military bearing, he was, above all, a gentleman and a compassionate man.

In the years that followed, he kept that same aura throughout civilian life. He was an avid traveler and loved recounting stories of his adventures to all who would listen. Closer to home, he found great joy in gardening with his beloved wife, building flower and vegetable gardens, season after season. He was also an animal lover who always had a furry friend by his side.

He treated everyone he met with warmth and genuine kindness, a grace that outlasted his years in uniform. Colonel Garner gave his country extraordinary and sustained service, and he will be remembered with gratitude and admiration by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Monroe Garner and Nannie Adeline Toney Garner; his siblings, Walton Monroe Garner, Julia Jewell Garner Young, Lou Civil “Tot” Garner; his first wife, Elaine Worner Garner, to whom he was married 65 years; his son, James Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Lori Hymel Orth; and his son-in-law, Keith Orth. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Mary Ellen Everhart Orth Garner; his grandsons, Leif Orth and Parrish Orth; his daughter-in-law, Linda Orth; his son-in-law, Eric Orth; and his niece, Jule Anne Young.

Semper Fidelis