James was born in Seattle, WA, Dec. 14, 1956, to James and Carolyn Garner, and grew up in Jackson, MS. He was a graduate of Callaway High School and Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. James was a medical supply representative with Medline Industries for 23 years.
Jamie, as he was called by those closest to him, married the love of his life, Paula, and provided a loving and happy home for their family. His favorite times were spent with them and he always put his family first before himself. He was an avid Bulldog fan and especially loved the game of football. Jamie had a fondness for old Cadillacs, which he collected. He was musically gifted and loved various types of music, especially oldies of The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra. Jamie was affectionately known as “The Godfather”, a nickname he was given in college because of his great leadership and his endearing trait of “looking out” for family and friends. Jamie enjoyed life and was a fiercely loyal husband, father and friend. He was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church. It was his faith in God that sustained him through his life and final days of illness.
Jamie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Paula Downs Garner, who never left his side during his illness; daughters Ashley Garner, Karson W. Luther ( J.J.), Kelly Williams, Erin Williams; father, James Edwin Garner, Sr., all of Madison; sisters Patrice Garner Blackmon ( Dolphus ), of Ridgeland, and Joanne Garner Ford of Stockton, California. He also leaves behind nieces Molly Ford, Mary Ford and Britton Blackmon. Jamie was predeceased by his mother, Carolyn Milton Garner, in 2011, paternal grandparents P.C . and Jewel Garner of Jackson, maternal grandparents Jack and Virginia Milton of Morton.
Friends and family are invited to the funeral service, a celebration of his life, to be at held on Friday, January 27 at 2:00, at The Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison. The visitation will be held at 11:30 prior to the service.
The family asked memorials be made to the James Edwin Garner, Jr. Memorial at The American Cancer Society.
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