James Ralph Garner

James Ralph Garner was born to Maxine and Al Garner on July 31, 1939 in Wichita Kansas. He attended First Christian Church in Wichita with his family during his childhood. He graduated High school on May 28, 1957 from Wichita East. He enlisted in the Navy directly after high school and spent his enlistment performing sonar operations off the east coast. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he began to learn many trades including concrete work, carpentry and construction. He completed several college business courses which later aided him in his career. In the early 1970’s, he relocated to Dallas, Texas and began working in the service and sales industry. He married Donna in 1976. He continued to grow his career over the next 30 years. He retired at the age of 62 and focused his life on his family and hobbies. The hobbies included growing Bonsai trees, yard work, gardening, crossword puzzles, and reading. For many of these years he ran an antique trade booth with collectibles and memorabilia. Everyone who knew him would also remember his love for peanut butter and honey sandwiches, going to the store for his morning coffee and newspaper, and always having a handful of cough drops.