James Garner, Sr

James Donald Garner, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 21, 2021. He was born on January 1, 1932 in Union, South Carolina. James, commonly known as “Jim” or “Man”, was a graduate of Sims High School, the first Black High School in Union County, South Carolina. After High School, he joined the Army and was stationed in Korea during the war.

Jim accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of St. Luke Baptist Church, Buffalo, South Carolina. Later in life, he would join Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio. Jim was ordained to be a Deacon under the late Pastor R.B. McCrary. He continued to serve as a Deacon under the late Pastor Henderson Shaw. He also served as a Trustee and Nurse. He loved being a member of the Male Chorus and leading his favorite song, “This Joy That I Have.” It was rare not to find Jim at the church or out in the community performing missionary tasks. In his final days, he became a member of Springhill Baptist Church under Pastor T.L. Hicklin and attended as often as his health would allow.

Jim was one of the first African American’s to work in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning field in Columbus, Ohio for over 30 years and retired from Tom Cannon Company.
Jim loved fashion and to coordinate his Sunday’s best for church services. He loved to talk and interact with people and help others. In his 89 years of life, he never met a stranger that he could not talk to about anything. He was an avid sports fans and loved to root for the Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Seattle Seahawks. Jim also played a mean game of Horseshoes.

Jim is predeceased by mother, Daisy R. Jones; wife of 47 years, Joyce F. Garner; brother, Leroy Garner; and daughter Anita Garner.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory his son, James D. Garner, Jr; daughter, Joy Garner; grandchildren, Richard Hough and Delontay Garner; sister-in-law, Enid Jay; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation 9:00 and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, January 30, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.

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