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James Garman Obituary
November 11, 1927 - December 12, 2024
James "Jim" A. Garman, 97, of Eureka, passed into Glory at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Eureka Apostolic Christian Home. He was born November 11, 1927, in Bethany, IL, to Ray and Eugenia (Arter) Garman. He married Betty Warnack on March 28, 1956, in Decatur, IL. She died June 16, 2019, in Eureka.He was also preceded in death by his parents, daughter Marla Diane Kenyon, granddaughter Kristina Renee Garman and three sisters, Virginia, Mary and Martha.
Surviving are two sons, Steve (Glenda) Garman of Eureka, Jeff (Carol) Garman of Normal; one daughter, Ann Marie (Edward) Brady of Colorado Springs, CO; son-in-law, Dean Kenyon of Germantown Hills; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Jim was a Korean War era U.S. Air Force veteran. He graduated from the University of Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural and mechanical engineering. He then went on to Cornell University where he earned his Master's degree in mechanical engineering where his thesis was tandem tractor hitch design. He worked at Caterpillar for a short time before working for himself in the late 1950's developing and patenting an articulated hitch that joined two tractors together to make a four-wheel two engine tractor. He built over 30 tandem tractor hitches and two 3 tractor hitches. When sales slowed down because of Steiger and John Deere entering the four-wheel drive market, he returned to Caterpillar, working for more than 30 years before retiring in 1990.
He was a family man and enjoyed various activities with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also served in various church positions throughout his life as an elder, teacher, and youth leader.
Jim was a member of New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw, where his visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Worship Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at New Castle. Pastor Tysin Smith will officiate. Private family burial with military honors will be held in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to New Castle Bible Church or the IL Child Evangelism Fellowship in Peoria. Tributes and condolences may be left at argoruestmanharris.com.
Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home
508 S. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530
309-467-2423
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Memories and Condolences
for James Garman
Sponsored by Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Marcy Schertz Gerig
December 18, 2024
Growing up in the Roanoke Mennonite Church, Jim and Betty Garman made a distinct impression on me. They were kind , gentle people who lived their faith every day. They raised lovely children who had the same qualities. Blessings to the family and friends who will gather to celebrate Jim´s life. So thankful that the Garman family was a part of my life.
Marcy Schertz Gerig
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