James Phillip GARRETT

James P. Garrett (Jim) age 76, passed away at home April 28, 2010. Jim was born in Flint, Michigan, October 14, 1933 to the late Chester Arthur Jr. and Mary Garrett. He grew up in Flint, graduating from Central High School. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the Air Force where he served honorably for 4 years. Upon returning to Flint he attended the University of Michigan-Flint. He was a member of their first graduation class, receiving a degree in Elementary Education. Jim began his teaching career at Myers Elementary in Grand Blanc, Michigan. In 1960 he moved to Los Angeles California where he made his life for 46 years. Jim would have called those years the happiest of his life. There he taught in the Burbank School District, for 35 years. During that time he was honored with many, many teaching awards including Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Upon his retirement, he was given the keys to the city of Burbank. After retirement Jim returned to the Burbank District where he volunteered for several years running programs educating the students about the Holocaust. He, along with William Hansford, owned Oak Grove Gifts in LaCanada, California, for 20 years. Jim spent the last 4 years of his life in complete retirement living in Grand Blanc, Michigan where he was close to the family he so loved. Jim is survived by his only Sister, Annetta Sue Yount and her husband Donald, Nieces, Rebecca Shust, and husband, Steven of Olathe Kansas, and Dr. Melinda Benn of Flint. Great Nieces, Nicole Carlisle, and Alicia Benn and Great Nephew, David Benn along with many extended family members who will deeply miss his presence. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday May 15, 2010 at Sharp Funeral Homes, 6063 Fenton Road, Flint. Rev. Glenn Gardner will officiate with burial to follow at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, Grand Blanc, Michigan. The family will receive visitors before the service beginning at 11:00 a.m at the funeral home.