James Ernest Garrett

1936 - 2016

GARRETT, James Ernest Dr. James Ernest Garrett passed away peacefully on May 15, 2016. Born in Denton, TX on October 9, 1936, Jim was a much beloved pastor and friend to all who knew him, serving in prominent United Methodist Churches in both Dallas and Amarillo. Jim's father, the Rev. Charles B. Garrett, was also a Methodist minister, and served as Senior Pastor in churches in North Texas, including First Grand Prairie and First Richardson. Jim received his BA in Sociology in 1957 at East Texas State University and his MDiv in 1960 from Perkins School of Theology, SMU. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate at McMurry University, Abilene, in 1996. Jim married Betty Bentley, his wife of 55 years, on Nov. 19, 1960. He went on to serve as Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church, Kemp, TX, First UMC, Kaufman, TX, First UMC, Commerce, TX, First UMC, Grand Prairie, TX, and most notably University Park UMC, Dallas, and Polk Street UMC, Amarillo. Jim also served as District Superintendant for the Wichita Falls and Dallas Central Districts and as a member of the boards of McMurry University and the Methodist Children's Home in Waco. After living in Amarillo, Jim and Betty retired to Dallas in 2004, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Jim is predeceased by his wife, Betty, and is survived by his, sons, James Garrett, Jr. of Tempe, AZ, and Bentley Garrett, of Dallas. A memorial service will take place on June 4, at 3:00pm in the sanctuary of University Park UMC, 4024 Caruth Blvd., Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Hospice, the music program of University Park UMC, or any charity of your choice.