James Leonard Garvin

September 23, 1934 — February 24, 2024

James L. Garvin of Chickasha, Oklahoma, was born James Leonard Garvin to Jesse Leonard Garvin and Mattie Lou Howard on September 23, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Cyril and Cement, Oklahoma, meeting and soon marrying the love of his life, Patsy Laverne Morris, on November 17, 1948. They moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma before settling in Oklahoma City where they raised three children, J. Duane, V. Diane, and Shiela K. Garvin.

James had worked around cars since the age of 16, first as a service station attendant, then as a mechanic and later as service manager for Eskridge Oldsmobile. In 1978, they moved to Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, Washington, where they lived and worked for 22 years. James went into the salmon fishing business, first with his brother-in-law, then later for another individual after receiving his pilot's license. He survived the sinking of that boat on its maiden voyage to Alaska, but continued later as a pilot and mechanic on a larger tender called the Stormbird. Health issues led him to return to work as an automobile dealership service manager until his retirement. In 2000, they moved back to Oklahoma to be closer to family and settled in Chickasha.

James was preceded in death by his wife Pat, and his daughters, Shiela and Diane. He is survived by his son Duane, and wife Carol, grandchildren James and Mike McCall, Laura Martell Connelly and husband Tom, Allison Tyson and husband Clinton, and Nicole Garvin.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.