James "Jim" R. Garrett

James “Jim” Robert Garrett, age 86, of Hayes Center, NE passed away at his home in Hayes Center on Friday, October 8, 2021.

Jim was born June 13, 1935 in Hayes Center to parents Lester H. and Lanola A. (Plunkett) Garrett.  Jim grew up in Hayes Center where he also attended school, graduating from Hayes Center High School.

Jim married Dorothy Mae (Chambers) Garrett on January 14, 1954 in Hayes Center.  To this union five children were born.  The family made their home in Hayes Center where Jim farmed and together with Dorothy, owned and operated Garrett Sand and Gravel in Palisade, NE.

Jim enjoyed hunting, especially elk, and shooting coyotes from his airplane.  He also enjoyed fishing.  He and Dorothy took great pride in working in their lawn.  Jim was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church where he was also baptized.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Garrett in 2012; two daughters, Lanola Ann, who died in infancy, and Debra Spickelmier; son, Lester James “Bud” Garrett; and two great grandsons, William Reich and Cole Frederick.

Those left to celebrate his life include his children, Jerry Garrett and husband, Albert Joyce, of Grand Island, NE, Brenda Yeager and husband, Chuck, of Hayes Center, NE; son in law, Merle Spickelmier of Hemingford, NE; daughter in law, Cathy Garrett of North Platte, NE; thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.