Obituary of James Garner

Simi Valley James Ralph Garner 1/20/54 - 4/26/11 It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of James "Jim" Ralph Garner. Jim was born in Alton, IL on January 20, 1954 to Louis and Eva Garner. The Garners moved from IL to Simi Valley in 1959. Jim attended Royal High School where he met his future wife and soul mate, Leslie Bova. Upon graduation, Jim joined the Los Angeles Ironworkers Local Union 433, becoming a third generation structural Ironworker. He graduated from the 3-year apprenticeship program in 1975, turning out as a proud Journeyman Ironworker, and with his union brothers contributed to the building of the Los Angeles skyline as we know it today, much of the time as a connector in the group that raises the structural steel and erects the skeleton of a high rise building. Throughout his career he held a multitude of elected offices through his union, representing the membership as an executive board member, business agent, president, and finally as the business manager/financial secretary/treasurer. He worked faithfully for the Union Ironworkers for 35 years. Jim's greatest passion in life was his family. With his wife, Leslie, he had three beautiful children- Jesse (Kim), Travis (Windy) and Tara. Jim also had two grandchildren- Charlotte (Tara) and Tyler (Jesse & Kim). He loved watching his children grow up and always did his very best to attend all their sporting events and such, while also playing the role of sole provider for his family. He was most happy and proud of those he loved. Jim also enjoyed the wilderness. He was a man's man and took pleasure in hunting and fishing, especially with his children. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Louis. He is survived by his mother, Eva; sister, Victoria Finnicum (Tom), loving wife of 34 years, Leslie; sons, Jesse (Kim) and Travis (Windy); daughter, Tara; granddaughter, Charlotte (Tara); grandson, Tyler (Jesse & Kim); and many other in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends . A memorial service for Jim will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th at Simi Covenant Church, 4680 Alamo Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Assisting the family with arrangements is the family owned and operated Rose Family Funeral Home and Cremation of Simi Valley.