MSG James Edward Garner Jr. (RET)

MSG James Edward Garner, Jr., (RET), 88 of Vass, NC passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst NC.

James was born in Paulding, Mississippi on July 17, 1936. Son to the late James Edward Garner Sr. and Bama Virginia Long Garner. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Locklear Garner, a son, Richard Anthony Garner, brothers, Dalton Dennis Taylor and Harold Eugene Garner, sisters, Mary Evelyn Garner and Faye Pauline Buchanon.

MSG Garner joined the United States Army in 1953 and retired after 27 years of service in 1980 as a Special Forces Master Sergeant. He served many tours in Vietnam, Korea, The Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Thailand, and a few other places that are still unknown. He was the head of operations for COL. Charles A. Beckwith (the founder of Delta Force) for several years. He ended his career instructing high school and college students in the ROTC program at Marion Military Institute. He also created the very first Orienteering Team in the school’s history which dated back to 1843. Upon retirement he spent 21 years at SOCOM as a civil servant. He was a true American Hero and wore his “Green Beret” proudly for the 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups. He will be greatly missed by the men he served with, his friends and very large family.

“Jim” as most folks called him was a true ‘Renaissance’ man. He was above average at checkers and dominos. There was not many that cooked better than him and he loved the outdoors. Loss count on the big Bass he caught. Always shot his limit of Bucks and Does. He was an avid reader and knew all the classic movies. You could count on fresh vegetables from his garden each and every year. Steamed Oyster’s and Boiled peanuts. No one loved them more. Many close friends and family have shared these times with him, but he cherished his time the most with Margaret, his wife.

MSG Garner received the following awards and decorations for his honorable and faithful service; the National Defense Service medal (1OLC), Parachutist Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (8 awards), Rifle M-16 Expert Qualification Badge.

MSG Garner is survived by his wife, Margaret Stutts Garner of Vass; sons, Garry M. Garner and wife Sally of Fayetteville and Duayne “Ducky” Edward Garner and wife Natalie of Wilmington; daughter, Libby Wheeler of Fayetteville; brothers, William T. Garner of Mississippi and Dwight A. Garner of Louisiana; grandson, Jeffrey Garner of Charlotte; step children, Archie Lee Suggs, Jr and wife Lori, Reaford Duane Suggs; 4 step grandchildren; Kristen Suggs, Karen Fernandez, Jennifer Duvall, Archie Ray Suggs, Jr., and many extended family members and friends.

Celebration of life with refreshments will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3:00pm in LaFayette Funeral Home Chapel. Committal with Full Military Honors will be Monday, July 14, 2025 at 12:00pm in Sandhills State Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd, Fort Bragg, NC 28310.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home of Fayetteville, NC. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.