James Edward Garner

We mourn the death of our beloved brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend James Edward Garner, Jr, who departed this earth on at VNA Hospice in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James had been in ill health for the last several years and God called him to his eternal reward at 2:30AM on Friday, September 9, 2016.

James Edward Garner, Jr. will surely be missed by all his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.

James, who was affectionately called "Jimmy" by his closest friends and relatives, began his earthly journey when he was born on June 30, 1948 in Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Hospital. He was the foist child born to his proud parents Katherine Cooper Garner and James Edward Garner, Sr.
James spent formative years growing up in Philadelphia. He was educated in the Philadelphia Parochial School System. He received his early education at Our Lady of Holy Souls Elementary Grade School in the Tioga section of Philadelphia. James received his high school education at Roman Catholic High School for Boys in downtown Philadelphia.

At Roman Catholic High, James participated in football and ran track. He was also active in the school Chess Club. James was a popular student at Roman with both his fellow students and the faculty members. A Story has it that in his second year at Roman, James's Homeroom Advisor who was also the high school Athletic Director and later Rector and Principal of the high school nicknamed James as "Gentleman Jim" because of his nonsense demeanor and politeness.

Katherine, James's beloved mother, often referred to her firstborn son as the "Adventurous One", and adventurous he was indeed. Within weeks after his graduation from Roman Catholic High, James enlisted in the US Army much to his dismay of his mother Katherine and step father Lamar. One has to remember this was 1968 and the Vietnam War was being waged. Also at this time James enlisted in the army the Selective Service Draft was in effect. Most young men who were James's age would try anything to avoid the service and he was James Volunteering to serve his country. James went on to serve in the Armed Forced for the next eight years. After suffering a nervous breakdown he received an Honorable Discharge from the service. He then returned home to Philadelphia.

James Jr. leaves behind to mourn his passing loving sister Frances Mary a brother Lester. He also is survived by a niece Heather Garner and two great nieces Iteriah and Deionna, also a great nephew Michael and several cousins. James was preceded in death by his mother Katherine Garner Jordan, his father James Edward Garner, Sr, and Step-father Lamar Jordan, he was also preceded in death by his two brothers Clifton Michael Garner and Leonard James Garner.
He will always be in our heart.

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