James Richard "Jim" Garver

James Richard "Jim" Garver, 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana arrived home with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Born on September 7, 1935, on the Brock farm in Alexandria, Indiana, his parents were the late William Richard and Louise (Brock) Garver. The family moved to Fort Wayne in September of 1939. One week before Jim turned 5, he was diagnosed with polio. Due to his father being in the military, the family moved to Denver, Colorado, later to Texas, and finally back to Fort Wayne. Jim graduated from South Side High School in 1954. He went to Purdue in 1956 and 1957 and received a 2-year associate degree. He later finished night school to get his drafting degree at the Purdue Extension. Over the years, Jim worked for the City of Fort Wayne, for several architect firms, a steel company, and Waynedale Lumber before finally retiring. He loved to read, do jigsaw puzzles, Crossword puzzles, listening to Big Band music, and ride his three-wheel bike. He liked old westerns and detective stories. He could build anything and loved his lake house. He often said, "Do what you love and leave the world better off than when you came." And he did his best to live that out. Surviving family include his wife, Colette Ann (Gilliom) Garver, whom he married on September 12, 1959; daughter, Tamara Jones; son, William Randal "Bill" (Cynthia) Garver; daughter, Ann Louise (Jamie) Cornewell; brother, John; and grandchildren, Todd, Paige, and Kayla. He was preceded in his journey by his parents, and brother, Jerry. Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in I.O.O.F Cemetery - New Haven. Condolences and memories of Jim may be left online at www.HockemeyerMillerFH.com.