James William Garrow, Sr was born December 19, 1940, the youngest of nine children to Frank Eugene Garrow and Rena Baccei Garrow, in Rutland, Vermont. As the baby of his big family, he was forever known in their ranks as Little Jimmy.
Jim was known from childhood for his big smile and happy-go-lucky personality, and poured back the love he received from his big family out to everyone he met for all his years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his 8 siblings: Irene Fridinger (and Bill); Paul Garrow (and Dolly); Eleanor Corbett; Edward Garrow (and Elaine); Beverly Velett; Gerald Garrow; Eugene Garrow; and Ralph “Tommy” Garrow (and Marie). He is survived by his sister-in-law Mary Ellen Garrow of Rutland, Vermont.
Jim was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his 4 children, Louisa Castro Garrow.
Jim passed away on December 24, 2023 at home, after a wonderful week of birthday and early Christmas celebrations where he was surrounded by love, and met his youngest great-grand baby.
Jim left behind a big, blended family to carry on his love of life: his children, James Garrow, Jr (Christianne); Melissa Garrow; Patricia Loutherback (Scott); Darlene Austin, and his stepson LD (Dee) Golden (Kat). Jim is also survived by his wife of 26 years, Jackie Barber Garrow, and a happy melange of 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way). He is also survived by friends and too many nieces and nephews to count in many states, who he was blessed to spend time with in his travels.
At 17, Jim enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served in Vietnam and many foreign assignments, reaching the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His final duty assignment was as an inspector with Strategic Air Command at Bergstrom Air Force Base when he retired in 1983.
Jim had a second 20-year career in auto sales with Leif Johnson Ford in Austin, (where he is still remembered for his loyal longtime customers, who would wait hours to buy a car, and would deal only with him), and built many lasting friendships that continue to this day.
After retirement, and a decade of RV life, Jim and Jackie found Highland Haven, Tx, where they lived for the last 16 years, relishing in being close to family. Jim was active in volunteer positions and social life there, gained many more valued friendships, and became a bit famous for riding his golf cart with his beloved dogs to check in and greet everyone he met with his trademark smile.
Jim ascended to his eternal home on December 24, 2023. He will be missed by many.
Arrangements are through Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 Hwy 281 N., Marble Falls, Texas.
A Chapel Service will be at Clements-Wilcox on January 4, 2023 at 12 noon, with burial at Lakeland Hills Cemetery, followed by a casual Celebration of Life at 3:30 pm that afternoon for friends and family at the Highland Haven Community Center, 118 Blackbird Dr., Highland Haven, TX 78654.
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