Garrity, James R.

James R. Garrity - age: 78
(May 26, 1932 to November 22, 2010 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Visitation Information:
Sunday, November 28, 2010 from 4-8 PM at Eversole Mortuary

Obituary:
James R. Garrity “Big Jim” passed away November 22, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife
Ludy of 48 years and is survived by JoAnn Wright companion, daughters Colleen Houk & husband Frank, Shannon Nick, Dana Kerksieck & son James Garrity Jr. and partner Tom Tilisky, and sister Judy Zetz. He was blessed with 8 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was born in Illinois on May 26, 1932 and moved to Pittsburg, California when he was a young boy and later to Ukiah. He graduated from Ukiah High in 1950 and played on the undefeated and untied 1949 football team. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and always said he was in charge of “laundry and morale.” He was known as the “ship board bookie” and always bet on a sure thing.
In the late 50’s Jim and Ludy moved their family to Sacramento were Jim worked as a route salesman for the Coca Cola Bottling Company. He began his career as a candy salesman in 1967 and retired in 1991. Jim and Ludy returned to Ukiah in 1993 to retire and be with their many, many friends. He took up a new career of organizing his high school friends into a club called the ROMEO Club. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who enjoyed a monthly luncheon at the Club Calpella and other events during the year.
Jim suffered the loss to his wife, Ludy in 1996. After a period of mourning, Jim was blessed with the love and affection of JoAnn Wright his companion and domestic partner for 12 years.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2010 for 4-8 PM at the Eversole Mortuary. A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 29, 2010 a 10 AM at the Eversole Mortuary.
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