Joplin, Missouri
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — James "Mike" Garrigan passed away on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. Mike was born May 21, 1944. He is survived by one brother, Dennis Garrigan and wife, Donna, Joplin; one sister, Linda Browder, Long Beach, Calif.; one nephew, Billy Garrigan and wife, Karli, Joplin; two nieces, Bonnie Dugger and husband, Jamie, Ozark, Mo., and Jennifer Garrigan and fiance, Jared Swann, Joplin; one great-nephew, Blanton Garrigan; and one great -niece, Kaelyn Garrigan. He is also survived by many other family members and very dear friends. Mike spent his early life in Joplin, known by many as the popular radio voice, Mike James. He had a passion for music that was second to none. During his career in radio, he received many awards and recognition for outstanding accomplishments highlighting his unique talent. Later in life Mike called Florida home where he met many life-long friends. He always looked back at these years as a highlight of his life. He then returned to Joplin, then Springdale, where he was employed as a sales representative for Harp's Food Stores Inc. He truly loved his family and friends and also had a great love for fishing. "Everything leaves eventually in the physical form, but the memories of good people and good work are timeless" JB. Mike will be truly missed by all. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with Sherm Nichols, Minister, officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. Following the service, family and friends are invited to celebrate Mike's life at the Villa Heights Christian Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be made in Mike's memory to savetheseaturtle.org or savethemanatee.org Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary, of Joplin. Online condolences may be made at masonwoodard.com
This obituary was originally published in The Joplin Globe.
Mike:
My mom is in heaven with you now. I miss her so much. You are (iam sure) playing all her oldies but, goodies for her. I miss you and my mother sooo much life is so hard with out my mom. Keep her happy mike with all her songs. You are not forgotten, I love you. Cheryl
Cheryl Greene-Manocchi
March 15, 2010 | Kershaw, SC
Dear Mike:
I really miss your e-mails and your kindness. I think of you so often. You are truley missed in everyones life. I know my life has turned Misty Blue. Every song I hear from the 70s, 80s n 90s I think of you. You left us with so many memories of you.!!!!!!!!!! We LOVE YOU MIKE and you will 4-ever be in our hearts.
Cheryl Greene-Manocchi
September 26, 2009 | Cape Coral, FL
I lost touch with Mike over the years, but whenever the subject of Fort Myers, Florida came up, Mike always became part of the conversation. We all had a lot of laughs together. Mike was truly one of the good guys in the broadcast biz.
We will miss him!
Marc Blaine
September 13, 2009 | Palm Desert, CA
Mike's joy, wit, love of music and laughter made life brighter and more fun. His wonderful music helped make memories more vivid. Captiva Island will not be the same without Mike. He made all those parties, beach walks and midnight boat rides into unforgettable memories.
I thank God that I had the great fortune to have met Mike so many years ago and was able to call him my friend. I will always hear his laughter and his 'Mike-isms' whenever I play his C/Ds.
Mike is not...
Deirdre & Paul Raffa
September 04, 2009 | Naples, FL
Our prayers are with the family. Mike was a very special person and he will be missed by all who shared life with him.
Jim and Carole Trosper
September 02, 2009 | Rogers, AR
Life is full of many gifts & Mike had the gifts of humor/laughter & music!! He always had something funny to say & as someone wrote earlier, was always finding music & burning them onto cd's for us. He had a very generous heart!! He will truly be missed!! We pray God's rich blessings upon Mike's family & friends!!
Mike & Debi Hartwig
September 02, 2009 | Bella Vista, AR
Perhaps the most wonderful thing is how we all know about each other through his stories.
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As we celebrate the life of Mike Garrigan, we will honor him through our memories of the good times.
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Mike showed everyone a dynamic side of life that encouraged us to cut loose and have fun. From his trademark imitation of the statue of liberty (with a lighter and frisbee), to the light-hearted emails he sent on a regular basis, he had one motive in mind…to make us...
Billy Garrigan
September 01, 2009 | Joplin, MO
mike, the times we shared will live forever. Shawn and I will miss you greatly. Somken joes won't be the same with out you!BE sure and tell Robin Hi for me. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Linda O'Connor
September 01, 2009 | Bentonville, AR
With Mike, the summer of 1966 was the "Endless Summer" Such a charasmatic personality! What fun we had in that old pink '42' Plymouth. Memories never to be forgotten.
Nancy
September 01, 2009
