James Frederick Garrett, 94, of Ottumwa, died at 10:04 a.m. August 30, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.
He was born February 2, 1932 in Ottumwa to Ed and Myrtle Garrett Martin. Jim married Betty Jean Jacks on July 16, 1955 and she preceded him in death on May 16, 2012.
Growing up in Ottumwa, he joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served in Japan during the Korean War.
Jim worked for John Morrell & Co. and for Wausau Homes for a short time. He worked in heating and air conditioning for several companies, retiring in 1997 from Winger after 30 years.
He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene and had attended Trinity Church of the Nazarene and North Side Church of the Nazarene. Jim had taught Sunday school for over 50 years. He was also a member of Union Local #91 Sheet Metal Workers.
Jim enjoyed playing the piano and his guitar and played in a band called the Blue Notes.
Surviving are his children, Cindy O’Brien of Ottumwa and Dave (Sharon) Garrett of Ottumwa, son-in-law, Tim Farley of Ottumwa; 10 grandchildren, Erik O’Brien, Aaron (Kortny) O’Brien, Corey Garrett (Amy Hazelwood), Christy (Matt) Leonard, Ryan (Steph) Garrett, Ashley (Austin) Drummond, Nick (Nikki) Glancy, Sheena (Dustin) Clark, P.J. Farley and Zenaya (Levi) Ritz; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Lisa Farley; his son Jim Garret; son-in-law, Greg O’Brien; and siblings, Bob Garrett and Virginia Gordon.
Visitation will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday September 2nd at Reece Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday September 3rd at Reece Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the services.
Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery with military services conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
Memorials may be made to Care Initiatives Hospice.
