James Monjar Garfield was born May 31 ^st , 1927 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His childhood home was Highland Park, a suburb of Detroit. His family moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 1940's. Jim graduated at Ypsilanti High School in January 1944 and then enlisted in the Army. He completed his basic training at Camp Robinson, AR and Medical technology at the University of Wisconsin. He was shipped out and stationed in Sicily, Italy, working as a Medical Technician at the United States Army Hospital. After an honorable discharge, Jim enrolled in Eastern Michigan University (EMU) earning a B.S. in pre-med. He was employed at Beyer Memorial Hospital in Ypsilanti, rising to Head Medical Technologist.

Jim enrolled in the University of Michigan completing a Master's in Cartography and began working for the United States Government in Washington, D.C. Returning to Ypsilanti, Michigan, he taught school in Willow Run School district and went on to serve as Assistant Principle, Principal and Assistant Superintendent. He completed a specialist degree in Educational Administration in 1968 and served as Superintendent in Crestwood School District in Dearborn Heights and in Romulus School District. During this time, Jim also taught adjunct faculty in the geography and educational psychology department at EMU. He retired from the education system in 1982. After retiring, he traveled to Yemen with his wife, a Team leader on an Eastern Michigan University project. While there, he taught English to the Yemen Military.

Jim married Elizabeth Ann Battelle in 1950. He was left as a single parent, with three children - Robert, Jeannie, and Nancy – by her death in 1970. In 1973 he married Dr. Juanita Mae Wilmoth, who had two children - Noel and Penny. They blended two sets of children into a happy family. Today this family includes 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, living in Alabama, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Canada.

Jim was an active church member all his adult-life; baptized as an Episcopalian. After retirement, Jim and Juanita moved to Florida. It was there they became members of First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze where Jim served as Sunday School Superintendent. In 2006, the couple joined First Presbyterian of Gulf Breeze enjoying many member tasks, activities, and bible studies.

For the last 15 years, Jim and Juanita raised Prince of Aragon, a champion agility sheltie show dog. During this time, they were involved in many activities with the Five Flags Dog Club where Prince did his training and shows.

Jim was a staunch University of Michigan fan and alumni. GO BLUE!!!!!!!

Jim will be buried at Pensacola Naval Air Station at Barrancas National Cemetery.