Obituary of James Michael Garrett

James M. “Jim” Garrett, aged 84, of Happy Valley, died October 9, 2020. He was born to Herman and Estelle (Crawford) Garrett on January 28, 1936, in Rockwall, Texas. His family later moved to Portland, OR in 1945. He attended Richmond Elementary School and was a 1954 graduate of Franklin High School, where he was active in football and baseball. Jim was a senior in High School when he met the love of his life, Judy Strouts and they later married July 22, 1956 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Portland, OR. They remained in Portland, except for a brief move to Eugene in 1962. They lived on SE Kelly Street for 13 years before moving, in 1978, to their home on SE Nancy Court in Happy Valley, OR. Jim was a self-employed newspaper and advertising distributor for many years. He was active in his churches both St Paul Lutheran and later, Beautiful Savior Lutheran. He was active in his community, acting as President of the Mt Scott Neighborhood Association. Jim enjoyed and was active in sports, playing church softball and participated in a bowling league into his late 70s. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. He and his wife Judy had season Portland Trailblazer tickets and were active in Silver Sneakers at Eastside Athletic Club. They hosted many family and neighborhood events, including annual Nancy Court 4th of July celebrations and Thanksgiving dinners with the Zwicks. He played an active role in all of his grandchildren’s lives, rarely missing a birthday, recital or sporting event. He enjoyed the annual family trips to Gearhart and organized and participated in the annual Garrett Family Gearhart Basketball Tournament, complete with an engraved trophy. Jim and Judy enjoyed travelling together throughout their marriage, but particularly in later years. Their trips included most of the United States (esp Texas, Arizona, Oregon and Washington), British Columbia, England and the Holy Lands. Jim lived an active healthy life until an unfortunate diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy gradually took hold during his last few years. We are grateful for the professional, compassionate care provided by Dina, Rebecca and Raisa of Graceful Living Adult Care Home. His wife Judy, parents, sister Virginia Cade and brothers George, Graham (Mickey) and David preceded him in death. His remaining sister, Jackie Morgan, lives in Lake Oswego, OR. Jim is survived by his son Ken (Sharon) and daughters Cheryl Calcagno, Lori Garrett-Stone (Brad) and Barbie (Larry) Tew. He had nine grandchildren: James and Mary Calcagno, Bryn Garrett, Rachel (Aaron) Schackhart, Grace Garrett, Autumn Stone, Daniel (Kelsey) Tew, Nathan (Maddie) Tew and Rebecca Tew. His five great grandchildren are: Ethan, Natalie and Daniel Schackhart, Stella Tew, and Scout Hazel Courtright. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His life will be celebrated with friends and family at a future date to be determined, when Covid 19 restrictions have lifted. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Camp Lutherwood , 22960 Hwy 36, Cheshire, OR 97419, Franklin High School Alumni Association, PO Box 86040, Portland, OR 97286-0040 or a charity of your choice.