Jim Garwood was a loving man.The people and things that he loved are too numerous to list.He could also dislike some things with the same passion, and he was not ashamed to let you know about it. He loved trains. His fascination for trains was forged the first time he saw one rolling down the tracks behind his childhood home in Indiana. Our train trip from Dallas to Chicago was a highlight of his life. He loved to drive. He could drive from Dallas to Florida without stopping to go to the bathroom, as we unfortunately found out as squirming, complaining passengers. He hated to drive, His road rage was hilarious and scary as a B-Film horror movie. We always felt sorry for the poor, dumb drivers who inadvertently crossed his path. He loved his Dallas Cowboys. Even though he was from Chicago Bear territory, he was an ardent Cowboy fan from their inception. He could rail on them as hard as he cheered for them. His Jerry Jones rants were legendary. Jim loved babies. Human or animal, as we learned from his instant love affair he had with the baby giraffe at the State Fair petting zoo. It took several minutes and pleading to return to the Fair. His love for others children was amazing. When Vickie and her new baby Melissa had to stay at our home for a while, He felt an instant bond with Melissa. Doting on her for several months, like she was his own. It took him a long time to get over them leaving. And we know he always had a soft spot for both of them. He loved him some Griffins. There wasn't one member of the family he didn't get along with. His reverence and respect he had for Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw was the same he had for his own parents. He became very close to several of Mom's brothers. He loved to hang with Howard and listen for hours to his tales and antidotes. He loved the calm, stoic Jack Griffin-like aura of Turtle. Before Wallace left this world, he thanked Jim for marrying his sister, and told him he was a good man. Jim cherished those words to the end. He could talk endlessly to Lonnie about sports and life in general. He loved Larry's quirky bohemian ways, and didn't hesitate to take him in when diagnosed with cancer. He loved the sisters as well. He enjoyed Sandra's and Vickie's short stay at our house. He thought it more of a blessing than a burden. He loved going to Hazel and Ray's house in Garland for visits. He and Ray became thick as thieves then. He really loved the outings with Gene and Dennis. Their friendship was very gratifying to him. Jim loved his parents Harry and Marie. He always looked forward to their annual October visits to Garland. He loved his two sisters Leah and Nancy. Though he didn't get to see them as much as he wanted to, their bond was obvious together or apart. He loved his sons. (for Greg) "Though not being my biological father, he fell in love with me the minute he met me. I've never had that emptiness most people who are adopted by another parent have. I've never had the need or want to find my "real" father, because he filled that part of my being so completely. Jim Garwood is the only father I will ever want and need to know. His relationship with Bryan was probably the most intense thing in Jim's life. They are connected like no other Father-Son you will ever know. Their bond had no limits. There was nothing that they wouldn't do for each other. No matter the good or bad. He loved Bryan with every fibre of his soul. He wanted nothing more than the love of Bryan. He loved his wife. Through thick or thin, he was always there for her. Though there was some rough spots, like most marriages, they could always make it work. Reba and Jim were married in the temple, solidifying their eternal bond. A bond that is as strong today as the day they met. This love is and will always remain for all time and eternity. We miss you Jim. We miss you Dad. We miss you Grand Pa. We miss you good friend. We love you, Now be in peace. (Eulogy written by Greg Garwood) Delivered with beauty and grace by Carla Burke
