Robert James Garrett, 88 years old and of the Baptist faith, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 28th, 2025 after an extended illness. He entered his heavenly home surrounded by his wife and children, whom he loved with all his heart. They will miss him and his wisdom as time heals their broken hearts. His favorite words were “I’m doing the best I can” and that he did well. He will be waiting with our Heavenly Father to meet again someday.
James was born at home on January 26th, 1937 in Mt Airy, Georgia and is the son of the late Robert Wiley Garrett and Callie Lee Franklin Garrett. He graduated from North Habersham High School in 1956 and was named Most Talented and Most Bashful by his peers. After graduation, James attended North Georgia Technical School studying to be a machinist to work at Scovill Mfg Company. Most everyone called him James, but to his coworkers at Scovill, he was known as “Jim”.
From 1960 thru 1962, he proudly served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Germany and Italy obtaining the rank of SP4. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1963-1966. Standing 6’4″ tall, he was quite the handsome young soldier! Upon returning home after his service, he went back to work at Scovill and retired after 45 years of faithful service in the zipper department. It was there he met the love of his life, Linda, and began a new journey in life.
He was a gifted artist and someone who could fix anything that was broken, and he shared his amazing talents with his children. He never got in a hurry, just worked slowly and methodically to make things perfect again. He loved being a part of such a large family and there was never a dull moment in the house. He would spend hours drawing for his grandchildren and they were in awe of how he could make things come to life. Patience was one of his greatest virtues.
He could also write calligraphy which was absolutely beautiful! James was a gifted musician and could play the guitar, banjo, harmonica and fiddle. He loved to play bluegrass and the Orange Blossom Special, and often jammed with his musical friends. He was so talented, he actually made a fiddle to gift to his children. James designed and finished the family home, as he is also an accomplished carpenter.
James was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harlon Wiley Garrett and a grandchild John Douglas Garrett.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda, and 5 children: sons Joshua Garrett (Michelle); Phil Hogan (Gina); and Jason Hogan (Barbara); and daughters Stefanie Munger (Michael); and Tracy Robar (Dane). He is also survived by 19 grandchildren who knew him as “Grandpoppie”. They hail from all over the country as far away as Colorado, Iowa, Ohio and Florida: Pepper Giesz (Jeff); Savannah Frost (Sam); Donovan Robar; Eric Hogan (Kalei); Evan Hogan; Mckinzie Kilbury (Noah); Hayleigh Gosnell (Clay); Jackson Hogan; Madison, Caleb, Carter, and Morgan Garrett; Connor Gissendanner-Bailey; Ansel and Aoife Hernandez; Sloan, Celine, Juniper and Joshua Munger. He was also blessed with six great grandchildren. Willow Giesz; J.P., Anavey and Tennyson Rehnke; Sawyer and Asher Gosnell; and number seven on the way. Surviving siblings are Mary Lee Scott and Hilliard Garrett and his wife Patricia.
Pallbearers are grandsons Caleb Garrett, Donovan Robar, Eric, Evan and Jackson Hogan, and Clay Gosnell.
The family will receive friends and family at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville on Tuesday, December 2nd from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Wednesday, December 3rd from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The funeral will be held at Hillside Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, December 3rd at 11:00 AM. Officiating the service will be sons, Phil Hogan and Jason Hogan. Graveside service along with military honors and interment will be at Antioch Baptist Church.
Hillside Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
