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James Garber Obituary
Jim received his PhD in Archaeology from Southern Methodist University in 1981 and became a beloved professor at Texas State University for 37 years, from 1982 until his retirement in 2019. He was renowned for his passion for archaeology, a field he greatly contributed to, particularly through his leadership on archaeological digs on Mayan ruins in Belize, a journey he began in 1976 and continued until the summer of 2024. His zest for uncovering the stories of the past was matched only by his dedication to shaping the minds of the future.
Beyond the classroom, Jim was an avid fisherman and collector. He also had a passion for the local politics of San Marcos. He served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for over a decade, acting as its chairman from 2014 to 2021, lending his expertise and insight to help preserve the uniqueness of San Marcos.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Melissa, his children Greg, Zach, and Chamberlain, and grandsons Adam Phoenix and Grayson James, who were his pride and joy. He also leaves behind his sister Joanie who shared many cherished memories with him. Jim was preceded by his parents Frederick and Carol, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Meadow Center, where Jim held his first archaeological field school, on April 16, 2025 beginning at 4:00 p.m. We invite all who knew him to join us in honoring a life well lived and a spirit that will never be forgotten.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Garber
Harvey Ginsburg
April 28, 2025
The twinkle in Jim's eyes reflected his irresistible personality, full of charm and humor. He was a great, long-time colleague.
Craig Weaver
April 16, 2025
So sorry to hear the news about Dr. Garber. I had the good fortune of being on the Blackman Eddy crew in 1997 and 1998, and it was a real pleasure to get to know Dr. Garber outside of a classroom setting. He also helped me to get my first paid project work in Texas, which led to me having a two-decades career in archaeology, in many different places. I'll never forget what he did for me, and many others. My condolences to his family. R.I.P.
J. Morse
April 16, 2025
Jim was a great professor and invigorating educator. I went to Belize with him in 1986 after taking classes with him, Dr.s Whalen and Grey. He will be missed.
Charles G. or Linda C. Fritsche
April 9, 2025
We have known Jim and Melissa for many years and their children. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and pray for peace and comfort to them all.
Lauren
April 9, 2025
I met Dr. Garber just a couple weeks ago at a Planning and Zoning meeting. His dedication to his community and passion was palpable from the crowd's perspective. I'm so sorry to everyone who clearly lost an absolute gem of a person, he left a long lasting impact on me in just one exchange. Thank you Dr. Garber, I'm lucky I got to tell you how much your words meant to me that evening.
Mary Sean Thornhill
April 8, 2025
May the Lord´s loving embrace bless and keep each of you with His comfort & peace as you all navigate this unexpected journey of grief! Empathetically, Mary Sean & Mathew Thornhill
Margaret C
April 7, 2025
I'm so sorry to learn of Jim's death, and I offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones. I was a student of Jim's in the anthro courses at (then) SWT in the early 1980s. I'd always loved archaeology and took several of his courses. But it's the National Geographic film on the Yanomami people that is the hallmark of those classes in my memory! Years later, as a film archivist, I got in touch with him to let me know I'd reached a pinnacle in my career, in preserving a 1920s film--basically a home movie on 35mm--about an archaeological dig in the SE U.S. I'll always remember Jim fondly as one of my favorite professors.
Kate A McCarty
April 6, 2025
I truly valued the time I spent working with Jim on the SM Planning and Zoning Commission. His insights were invaluable, his patience exceptional and his respect for those on all sides of an issue made his chairmanship a pleasure. I've been away from SM for three years, but I know Jim's contributions to the city will be enduring.
Kama Davis
April 5, 2025
Jim, this world is a little less wonderful without you in it and much more precious because you were.
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Pennington Funeral Home - San Marcos323 N Comanche, San Marcos, TX 78666
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