James Garrow

1932 - 2026

James Garrow
Born: February 7, 1932
Died: February 19, 2026
James "Jim" Garrow, 94, of Serena, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the home of his granddaughter in Serena. Born February 7, 1932, in Ottawa, Jim was the son of Laurine S. "Red" Garrow and Cuba Britton. He married the love of his life, Marlene Kessler, on March 3, 1955, in Murphysboro, Kentucky, and together they built a family grounded in loyalty, humor, and hard work.
Jim proudly served in the United States Army during his early adult years before earning his realtor's license. Soon after, he joined the family business, L.S. Garrow Trucking in Sheridan, working alongside his father and siblings Gene (Mary Ann), Delbert (Marion), and Juanita (Dan) Bernard. This path led him to a remarkable lifelong career as a Local 150 Operating Engineer-a vocation he dedicated himself to for nearly 70 years.
A man of simple joys and steady passions, Jim loved singing and playing his guitar, spending time at his favorite spot, the Calico Café, and diving into books of every kind. He followed horse racing with enthusiasm and never gave up on his dream of winning the lottery-an ambition he pursued with good humor and unwavering optimism.
Jim is survived by his granddaughter Darcy Hermann of Serena, Illinois; Justin (Heather) Angel of Northville, Michigan; and seven great-grandchildren: Wesley Hermann, Kendra Hermann, Kelsey Hermann, Lexi Angel, Layla Angel, Cayden Reynolds, and Bradley Reynolds. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marlene; his children, Kimberly Guthrie and Bradley Garrow; his brothers Delbert and Gene; an infant brother; his sister Juanita (Dan) Bernard; and his granddaughter Tara (Kiley) Reynolds.
Jim will be remembered for his work ethic, his music, his stories, and the quiet, steady love he carried for his family. His presence will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until time of memorial service 12:00 NOON. Military Honors will be conducted under the Auspices of the American Legion Post # 0729 and the United States Army at Gabel-Dunn Funeral Home 333 West Church Street Sheridan, Illinois 60551. Celebration of life will follow at the Sheridan American Legion. For information, 815-695-5131 or visit his memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com