Mr. James Wilbert Jackson Garrett passed away peacefully at White Oak Manor Nursing Home in Charlotte, NC, early in the morning on June 16, 2025. He was born on January 12, 1953 to the late Johnny J. Wallace and Margaret M. Garrett-Gerran.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his second wife, Sadie Miller who passed in 2017; his stepfather, Wilbur Gerran, Sr., and one brother, Grover Jerome Garrett.

James grew up in High Point, NC, and attended elementary school in Guilford County. He later moved to Patterson, NJ, to live with his aunt, Ann, and uncle Herb Lee Albea. There, he attended Eastside High School and became a big brother to his younger cousin. Afterward, he returned home and graduated from Ragsdale Senior High School in 1971. Immediately after graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps in November. His family was proud of his decision to serve in the Armed Forces, as it set a positive example for his brothers and cousins. Following his enlistment, his brother Jerome also joined the United States Air Force after graduating from high school. Jimmy was a member of the Fairlawn Baptist Church where he found spiritual fulfillment. In 2015, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and leadership qualities, he was ordained as a Deacon. In his leisure, he found great joy in fishing.

When James was a little boy, he was very short and small, often feeling left out as he watched the other kids eagerly jump into games of football, baseball, and basketball. His friends affectionately called him Jimmy, a name that carried both warmth and a hint of his youthful charm. Instead of letting his stature hold him back, Jimmy decided to channel his creativity and resourcefulness into building his own hot rod and bicycle. He took great pride in them because he poured hours of effort into these projects, especially because they had brakes for safety, a comfortable seat, a mirror, a horn to announce his presence, and bright lights for nighttime, Each feature was thoughtfully chosen, and the finished bicycle fit him perfectly, a reflection of his determination and spirit, allowing him to zoom around with pride, feeling as big as the other kids.

Jimmy also, had an idea to create a portable shoeshine box, an idea that excited him. Using his hard-earned money, he purchased the essential materials wood, nails, polish, brush, and cloth. Under the watchful eye of his stepdad, he measured each piece of wood, ensuring everything fit together perfectly. It was impressive to see him work, measure, and follow instructions. Once the shoeshine box was complete, he was proud to see how easily he could carry it around. To master the art of shoe shining, he practiced diligently on his stepdad's and Uncle Sam's shoes, perfecting his technique and learning how to make each pair look their best.

When the furniture market came to town, Jimmy was 9 years old and excited about earning his own money. His stepdad, a wise and thoughtful figure in his life, imparted a valuable lesson: "Always keep the first dollar you earn so you’ll never forget how you made it." Taking this advice to heart, Jimmy cherished that precious dollar from the summer of 1962, holding onto it as a reminder of his hard work and determination. However, in a twist of fate, the treasured dollar was stolen in 2025.

James leaves to cherish his precious memories; siblings, Betty G. Bailey (Filmore, Jr.), Victoria M. Garrett, Timothy A. Garrett, Sr. all of High Point, NC Darryl Garrett from Florence, SC; nieces, Dominique Wilson, A’kaila Covington, Filisha Aston; nephews, Grover Jerome Buchannon, Jerome P. Garrett, Darrell L. Wilson, James Bethea, Jr., and Bryant K. Garrett; two aunts, Christine E. Garrett and Blanche Parsons; two uncles, David Bogans and Braziet Ingram, Jr. and a host of cousins that loved him dearly.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.