James Ernest Garrett's Obituary
Dr. James Ernest Garrett passed away peacefully on May 15, 2016. Born in Denton, TX on October 9, 1936, Jim was a much beloved pastor and friend to all who knew him, serving in prominent United Methodist Churches in both Dallas and Amarillo, TX. Jim’s father, the Rev. Charles B. Garrett, was also a Methodist minister, and served as Senior Pastor in various churches in North Texas, including First Grand Prairie and First Richardson. Jim received his BA in Sociology in 1957 at East Texas State University, Commerce, TX, and his MDiv in 1960 from Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate at McMurry University, Abilene, TX, in 1996. Jim married Betty Bentley, his wife of 55 years, on Nov. 19, 1960, in Lovers Lane Methodist Church, Dallas after meeting on the steps of Bridwell Library at SMU. He went on to serve as Senior Pastor at First UMC, Kemp, TX, First UMC, Kaufman, TX, First UMC, Commerce, TX, First UMC, Grand Prairie, TX, and most notably University Park UMC, Dallas, and Polk Street UMC, Amarillo, TX. During their time in Commerce, they also had two children: Dr. James Ernest Garrett, born in 1966, now a professor of finance at Arizona State University, and Bentley Todd Garrett, born in 1969, now a professor of mathematics at the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition to his positions as pastor, Jim served as District Superintendant for the Wichita Falls District and the Dallas Central District of the North Texas Conference. He also served on various boards, including those of McMurry University and the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, TX. Jim had the rare ability to remember the names and backgrounds of people years after first meeting them. He genuinely cared about people and could make conversation and friends with anyone – especially over a round of golf. Besides being an avid golfer, Jim was also an accomplished pianist and organist. He and Betty loved to entertain members of the congregation when given the opportunity, and Jim often accompanied Betty on the piano. As many of their friends will attest, “Hard Hearted Hannah” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” were among the favorites of their repertoire. After living in Amarillo, Jim and Betty retired to Dallas in 2004, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Jim is predeceased by his wife, Betty, and is survived by his, sons, James Garrett, Jr. of Tempe, AZ, and Bentley Garrett, of Dallas, TX. A memorial service will take place on June 4, at 3:00pm in the sanctuary of University Park United Methodist Church, 4024 Caruth Blvd., Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Presbyterian Hospice, the music program of University Park United Methodist Church, or any charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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