GARDEN, James B. 1927-2002

GARDEN, THOMAS, WITZEL

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/30/2009 at 18:03:18

James B. Garden, 75, of 603 Howard St., Charles City, died Friday November 22, 2002 at the Muse Norris Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 601 Milwaukee St., with the Rev. Gayle Wilcox officiating. Interment will be held in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, Charles City. Military rites will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit. Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church Tuesday.

Jim was born August 4, 1927 the son of Ralph and Ellen (Thomas) Garden in Tracy. Jim later joined the United States Army in which he served his country with pride.

On Sept. 21, 1952 Jim was united in marriage to Lillian Witzel in Riceville. Lillian died in 1989. Jim later was united in marriage to Evelyn Elliott Helgen on Oct. 23, 1993 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Charles City. Jim owned and operated L&J Industries, which he started back in 1965.

Jim enjoyed being active whether it was fishing, hunting pheasants, traveling, or being a mentor to the numerous young people in the community over the years. His most precious activity was playing with his grandchildren and spending time with his family. Jim was always quick to brag about his family especially his grandchildren. Jim had a passion for driving semi trucks, and working with heavy construction equipment. Jim was a member of the VFW Post 4335 of Charles City, Moose Lodge #1011, Elks Lodge, and Trinity United Methodist Church.

Those thankful for having shared in James' life include his wife Evelyn, three children: Jamie Reicherts and her husband, Mike, of Charles City, Tracy Wingert and her husband, Bruce, of Fountain, Minn., and Chris Garden and his wife, Lisa, of Charles City; two step children: Candice Baltzell and her husband, Dr. Robert, of McCook, Neb., and Max Elliott Brewer and his wife, Donna, of Florida; one brother: Brooks Garden of Pella; eight grandchildren: Robin, Cory, Jim, Loni, Matt, Jacie, Kristen, and Brady; two step grandchildren, and five great grandchildren: Codey, Rebeka, Alysha, Coltin, and Morgan.

Mr. Garden was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Lillian, two sisters, and four brothers.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. www.fullertonfh.com