James O. Garner Jr.

Jim was born in Quincy, Florida to James and May Garner, and was raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended High School at the prestigious Memphis University School and was the President of his Senior High School Class, later attending The University of Tennessee. As a young man he excelled in history and basketball, and was a life guard. He moved to Dallas, Texas in the mid-1960's and found success in the insurance and investment business. Named Rookie of the Year by the New York Life Insurance Company in 1967, he continued to win award after award until he was named to the New York Life Hall of Fame in 2018. Never retiring, and at the helm of Garner Financial for 54 years, Jim had many professional designations. A close friend kidded, so many, that he ought to abandon the acronyms behind his name for "General or Field Marshall". Jim liked the idea. To his close friends and family he was well known as "The General in charge at The World Headquarters".

Jim taught 8th, 9th and 10th grade Sunday school at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church for 13 years, and coached Junior High Basketball in the church league as well. He coached football for three years in the SVAA, and was named Coach of the Year in 1979. Currently a member of Watermark Community Church, he served as an usher until recently. Having run for Dallas City Council on two separate occasions, his community service included serving on the Dallas City Planning Commission, The Dallas Landmark Committee, The University Park Public Safety Committee and various other associations and committees over a lifetime of service.

He enjoyed sports, politics, history, country and western dancing, fishing, music and a good laugh. He very much enjoyed time with his family in his home away from home in Destin, Florida or Austin, Texas where he was known to his grandchildren and loved ones as "Big Daddy". Jim is survived by his sister Sandra Garner Ireland of Memphis, his son Gregory James Garner and a beloved family who reside in Austin, Texas including two granddaughters, Layne and Georgia.

A brief graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Monday, June 8th at 10:00AM. The family may consider a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to The American Cancer Society, Watermark Community Church or The North Texas Food Bank.