Book of Memories for James E. "Jim" Garrett

Condolence From Terry Tucker and Family

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:14:58 EDT

To my dear friend Jim ~ I will miss you. Thank you Jim for all the laughter and friendship and also for the many, many years of beautiful Texas wildflower calendars. I enjoyed working with you at the RRC. To your Family ~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim will always remain in our hearts.

Story shared: Dancing with Jim

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:11:22 EDT

I had the pleasure to get to know Jim as a dance instructor of his. He really loved to dance and wanted to share that joy with everyone around him - if he happened to see someone sitting out, he would alway go over and try to get them up on the dance floor. He was a very special, kind-hearted man. I will always cherish the years we spent dancing together and the wonderful friendship that developed. Thank you for all the memories, "Mr.G".

Condolence From Charlene Wright Spoede Budd

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:59:13 EDT

Jim was a great guy in high school, and remained that way. Goodbye, Jim; you will be missed. Charlene, Milby Class of 1956

Condolence From Shayne Calhoun

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:38:00 EDT

Jim was like a grandfather to me. He helped my mother and I through a dark time in our lives. His continued kindness, love, and generosity are memories that I will always cherish. He was truly part of our family. He introduced my mother and I to ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray, frequently took lessons with us, and brought us to competitions and galas. Dancing was his life. He truly loved it and you could see the joy and energy running through him when he was on the floor. He glided like the wind. Jim happily volunteered to give me rides to and from campus during holidays and also to other locations, since I was a college student with no transportation. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those most in need of it. He truly reflected the love of Christ and touched my heart forever. I am glad that I had a chance to see him one last time before he passed and to have the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to me. My life is brighter because I knew him. I know that he is in a better place and that I will see him again one day. Be at peace Jim. Until next we meet may God bless and keep you.

Condolence From Laurie Calhoun

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:30:57 EDT

It saddens me to have just found out that my very best friend, my dance partner, my father figure, my mentor, my Guardian Angel has passed away this afternoon. James Garrett who was an incredibly talented individual, who had a spark of life and danced like Fred Astaire, is now dancing on the stairway to heaven. He was loved by so many people and took me under his wing when I thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel. He was the most generous individual and loving Christian I have ever met. I feel proud and honored to have met and been a part of this man's life. If anyone believes that God does not put angels on Earth, they are surely wrong because this man was and is a true angel. God Bless You Jim Garrett. You will be so so missed!

Condolence From Anne Child

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:22:38 EDT

I first met Jim at a my first ever 5K run, it was in Round Rock. I had recognized him as a fellow that ran in my neighborhood in northwest Austin. I asked if he was that fellow. He had to be with his unique running gate. I never saw anyone run with such a straight back. Indeed it was him. I as 30 and he was 50 at the time. We saw each other at several races and usually ran with each other, at least started out that way. Around the neighborhood we'd see each other every once in a while... sometimes reversing our route so we could talk. He told me about his programming (I was a programmer too) and his dance competitions. But he was most proud of his daughters. I remember him being excited that his daughter was getting married. He was very proud. I quit going to races, he retired and our running patterns changed... his too because of foot issues conflicting with his dancing. But every time I saw him he always had a quick smile, a wave and kind words. We moved from the neighborhood a few years ago and I have missed seeing him since. The world will miss the kindness and love he spread wherever he went.

Condolence From My Tran & Wayne Long

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:33:12 EDT

Jim is an excellent dancer. The ladies love to dance with him. The loss of Jim is a loss for many, ladies and gentlemen alike. The dance floor at Austin Ballroom Dancers and the dancers there will miss Jim's fabulous dance moves. Jim, thanks for your gentle smiles, the easy going style, the kindness and the many more...

Story shared: Milby Class of '56 Reunion, May 7, 2011

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:02:56 EDT

More Saturday night fun at the dinner/dance.

Story shared: Milby Class of '56 Reunion, May 7, 2011

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:00:34 EDT

Friday night dinner and dance.

Story shared: Milby Class of '56 Reunion, May 6, 2011

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:59:03 EDT

Friday night informal gathering.

Story shared: ROTC Flag Bearer 1955

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:56:59 EDT

James (as we called him in high school) was in ROTC as a sophomore and junior at Milby.

Story shared: Milby Class of '56 Reunion, May 6, 2011

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:26:02 EDT

Jim was the first one on the dance floor at our informal Friday night get-together.

Story shared: For your service

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:09:20 EDT

Thank you, Jim, for your service to our country.

Condolence From John Beard

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:23:49 EDT

We're really going to miss Jim at our Milby reunions. He was always there with a big smile, and cutting a rug on the dance floor. I worked for Burroughs when they had Burroughs equipment at the Railroad Equipment. What a surprise the day I walked in and there he was, after all of those years. What a great guy he was. My coldolences to family and friends.

Condolence From Mary Bailey

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:21:06 EDT

I am thankful that I was able to meet Jim when I did. We shared dance classes together and it was quite an effert to keep up with him in the two-step and Viennese waltze. I will miss him very much. My prayers are with his family.

Story shared: Dancing memories of Jim

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:36:19 EDT

I will miss Jim....dear to my heart! I always look forward to seeing him on saturday's at ball room..he would come over and sit next to me and talk for a while and then we would dance. Jim will be missed very much and it was a sad day when I found out that he is not with us on this side anymore but I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Shirley

Condolence From Joyce McNeill (Milby '56') Christopher

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 14:44:49 EDT

Although it has been many years since I last saw Jim, my memories of Jim have not diminished. He was a fun, caring, loving man, who will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts go with your family Jim. See you next in heaven. Joyce

Condolence From Milby Alumni Class of 1956

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 14:13:09 EDT

Our Condolence on James passing. We all enjoyed James company at our last Reunion this past April 2011 and looked farward to seeing him again this coming April 2013. Our prayers are with you. Owen Conerly Class of 1956

Condolence From Pam Mitchell

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:20:08 EDT

Such a sweet gentle man will be greatly missed. I will always remember his long lanky body posed to take that first dance step. His gentle smile started with his mouth and crept up into his eyes. He was always so much fun to be with.