James Warren Garner

James Warren (Jim) Garner, 89, of Midland, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Midland Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3114 Travis Avenue, Midland, TX. Jim was born on November 20, 1927 in Lamesa, Texas to James Martin Garner and Thelma Lee Newsom Garner, the fourth of their eight children. The family moved across the New Mexico border to Causey when Jim was around six years old. Jim was an active boy and restless young man, choosing to leave home at an early age and though he quit school after eighth grade he was smart and successful. At the age of 18, he married Mildred Elaine Shotton of Sublette, Kansas. After their first two children were born, Jim enlisted in the United States Marines and served for two years. Jim moved frequently, had several occupations but spent most of his career in sales, preferring to be self-employed. He loved to play guitar and in his later years settled in the Midland area and raised longhorn cattle, had a few horses, dogs, and chickens. He loved to study his Bible and go to church and to the cattle sale barn. Jim had a quick wit and good humor with many stories to tell. Jim is survived by his sister, Margaret, Mrs. Chester Fisher; his daughters, Patricia Nerguson and Peggy Garner; his son, Rick Garner; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Sandow Garner; and by his 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, June Garner Killion Rea, Rose Garner Shelton, and Nelda Jean Garner; his brothers, Milton Leon Garner, Marvin Ray Garner, and Raymond Eugene Garner; and his son, James Ray Garner. The family would like to express their gratitude toward the Midland Memorial Hospital staff, Hospice of Midland, very special friends Merle and Shirley Weckwerth and Margie Fox, who showed loving care and devotion that enabled him to still live independently until his recent illness. The family also appreciates the Midland Seventh-Day Adventist Church family who loved and supported Jim. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.