James William Garner, 95, of Van Buren, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 at his home. He was born January 10, 1929 in Fayetteville to the late James Arthur and Gertrude (Kastl) Garner. He was the former owner of the Garner Abattoir & Meat Processing Plant for 45 years. He had been a butcher his entire life receiving his first paycheck at the age of 13. He built a home in Cavanaugh in 1960 and moved it to Van Buren in 1970. He lost his voice at the age of 36 from throat cancer, and was President of the Cancer Society Lost Chord Club. He taught people to speak after their surgery. Since retirement, he has been building a village with the help of his daughter, Shana.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, a daughter, Cherryl Garner; and a son, James David Garner.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Margie Garner of the home; three daughters, LeDanna Garner-Kennon and husband Robert, Shana Garner, and Dava Melton and husband Richard; a son, James Darren Garner; four sisters, Ruby Beavers, Jewell Way, Pearl Curran, and Helen Brown; three grandchildren, Jerry Dan Jones, Jeremy Garner, and Brian Kennon; ten great-grandchildren, Brittany Odell, Halie Jennen, Jacob Jennen, Nicholas Garner, J.D. Jones, Jeremiah Jones, Jaia Youngblood, Arley Garner, Joseph Garner, Cole Kennon, and David Garner, one great-great-grandchild, Rowan Milam; and his two dogs, Jr. and Spot that followed him every step he took and loved him very much.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Antioch Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Dan Jones, Jeremy Garner, Brian Kennon, Jacob Jennen, Jeremiah Jones, Nicholas Garner, and J.D. Jones.
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
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