James Edward McGarry, Jr.

1942 - 2025

U.S. Veteran

James Edward McGarry, Jr. went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. James, (Jay), was born on December 13, 1942 in Crichton, West Virginia to the late James Edward McGarry, Sr., and Effie Edna Morris McGarry. He was the youngest of three children and told great tales of growing up with his 2 sisters in Charmco, West Virginia. Over the years, they were a beautiful trio, singing with friends and family at gatherings. James was a talented quarterback for his high school football team, but after high school, he desired a career in the military instead. Upon graduation from high school, James joined the Army and served at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He then married his high school sweetheart, and they began their family in Augusta, Georgia. Upon completion of his military duty, James worked in the insurance industry, proudly serving military families. His work led him to Fort Stewart (Hinesville) Georgia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Indianapolis, Indiana, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Delaware, Kentucky, and then finally back to Midway Georgia, as he neared retirement from his company, RTI, Restoration Today Inc. James lived to fish and hunt, but his true love was playing his guitar and singing with friends and family. James also prioritized exercise, and was an avid runner into his 70's. James will be remembered for his great sense of humor and fun-loving spirit. James relied on Jesus as his Lord and Savior, especially as he battled through cancer, a broken hip, and finally, pneumonia. James is survived by his caring wife, Janet Davis McGarry of Midway, GA, his children, Mark Alan McGarry, Sr. (Vanessa) of Fleming, GA, Lora McGarry Goolsby (Charles) of Charleston SC, and James Mitchell McGarry (Krystal) of Indianapolis, IN, "bonus" daughter Anslee Teigue (Jimmy), as well as his sister, Mary Jane McGarry Mitchell of Alderson, WV. James was so very proud of his outstanding 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and wonderful nieces and nephews as well. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward McGarry, Sr. and Effie Edna Morris McGarry, as well as his sister, Peggy McGarry Boothe. The visitation will be on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral to honor James' life will follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL - 901 West Highway 80 - Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444