HOUSTON, TEXAS – On April 20, 2025, surrounded by his wife and all of his children, James “Jim” Garrett passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas, at the age of 80. He was born on December 13, 1944, in Lubbock, Texas, to Clyde and Marie (May) Garrett. His early years were shaped by his father’s service as a glider pilot instructor during World War II and by life on the family farm in Huntley, Wyoming. Jim graduated from Huntley High School in 1963 and went on to earn a degree in education from the University of Wyoming in 1967.
In 1967, Jim married Jeannette Fry and soon after began a distinguished 25-year career in the United States Air Force, traveling the world, and retiring in 1992 with the rank of full Colonel. That same year, he earned a Master of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After his retirement from the military, Jim relocated to Friendswood, Texas. It was during his time there that he became President of Sanford Brown College and met the woman of his dreams- Roseanna Alley. On July 1, 2000, he and Roseanna were married in a beautiful ceremony, in the backyard of their home, surrounded by loving friends and family. They officially retired together in 2011.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Roseanna; his daughter, Dr. Jennifer Markus and her husband, Todd, and their children, Ryan and Garrett of Fort Collins, Colorado; his son, Dr. Jason Garrett and his wife, Dr. Catherine Garrett, and their daughters, Lauren and Meredith of San Antonio, Texas; his stepson, Steven Alley and his partner, Polly Ryan, and their sons, Luke and Desmond; his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and Tom Feeser of Torrington, Wyoming, and Patricia and Joe Gingles of Sheridan, Wyoming; as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.
A devoted family man, Jim’s greatest delight was spending time with his loved ones. His second great passion was aviation. A lifelong pilot, Jim owned and flew numerous aircraft over the years, even building two planes himself – a Europa and an RV-12 – in his hangar on the private airstrip behind his home in Friendswood, Texas. During his retirement years, when he wasn’t flying in the skies, he could usually be found tooling around on his riding lawnmower, taking his motorcycle for a quick spin, enjoying the Texas Gulf on his various watercraft, touring the countryside in his forty-foot RV with Roseanna as his copilot, or just relaxing with a good read in his favorite recliner.
Jim lived life with enthusiasm and purpose. He will be remembered for his joy of flight, his dedication to service, and most of all, for the deep love and pride he had for his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial services will be held in Friendswood, Texas, and in Torrington, with dates to be announced.
