January 18, 1938 - December 12, 2024
Alexandria, Virginia - James Macdonald Garden, Jr., passed away peacefully on 12/12/24. He had the comfort of his son's hand and the strains of Johnny Cash music as his last memories. He was born in Chicago on January 18, 1938, to James Macdonald and Gertrude Garden. Although work opportunities and life experiences took him away from Chicago, he never lost his love of the Cubs, a good Vienna Beef hotdog and the family he left behind. He met the love of his life, Gail Kent, while growing up on Patterson Ave. Although, according to family lore, he might not have realized it as soon as she did. After graduating from Saint Mary's College, in Winona, MN, Jim returned to Chicago and courted Gail Kent in earnest. They were married in Chicago in September, 1962.
During this time, Jim also joined the Naval Reserves and flew out of Glenview Naval Air Station- a service he remained proud of his entire life. Jim's work took him and Gail from Chicago to California to Georgia to Pennsylvania and finally back home to Chicago, first to Arlington Heights and then to Barrington, where they finished raising their three boys, Jimmy, Kevin and Bill. Jim shared his love of boating with both family and friends. While raising his three boys, Jim spent many hours with them "messing about" on a boat, first on the Fox River and later on Lake Michigan. He and Gail spent many wonderful days exploring Lake Michigan and its lighthouses.
After raising their three boys, Jim and Gail moved to Bradenton, Fl., to be closer to Gail's mother, Dorothy Kent, in her later years. While there, Jim became very involved in the Sunset Estates Civic Association, the Elks Club, Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, and much to the delight of his grandchildren, grand nieces, and grand nephews, selling and distributing "ice cream polish". Jim and Gail made many friends during their time in Bradenton. The Garden Family is extremely grateful for the "family" of friends who watched over Jim and Gail during their later years in Bradenton.
Following Gail's death in the summer of 2020, Jim moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to be near his son, Kevin. Although Jim suffered from dementia during his last few years, he never lost his gentlemanly manners, his enjoyment of a good joke, his appreciation of beauty and his ability to love. While he did not always recall names, he always knew his people and was happiest when family and friends were around.
He will be remembered by those who loved him for the love he and Gail shared with each other and their family and for his love of faith and country. He is survived by his five siblings- Marilyn Zieserl (Ed), Tom Garden (Suz), Ken Garden (Nancy), Jerry Garden, Richard Garden (Theresa, deceased); three sons- Jimmy Garden, Kevin Garden (Michelle), William Garden (Dana); five grandchildren- Andrew, Steven, Luke (Kevin and Michelle), Madison Frers, Macey Frers (Bill and Dana); many loving nieces, nephews and grand nieces/nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 29, 11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Evanston, IL. Interment will happen at a later date in Bradenton, Fl., at Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association.
