James G Gartrell Jr's Obituary
Monday, June 9, 2025, James ‘Jim’ Gartrell, Jr., 69, ran through the pearly gates and into the arms of Jesus – never looking back. Joyous and pain free, he lives forever now in heaven.
Jim was born on November 9, 1955, at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. He grew up in Memphis, TN; Bogalusa, Louisiana; and eventually Lakeland, FL. He graduated from Kathleen Senior in 1973.
Jim worked at many jobs in FL, mainly in Jacksonville and Lakeland. He was employed for 20 years by YUM Brands, retiring in 2020 and moving on to his favorite job as an employee of the City of Lakeland at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course. He was a Ranger, a Pro Shop worker, and a Starter. He loved the time he spent at the golf course and cherished the friendships he made there.
Golf was a hobby. He was happy being on the golf course even if he wasn’t having the perfect golf day – slices, lost balls, missed putts – no worries. Jim would say, “There is no such thing as a bad day on the golf course.”
His other hobby was music. He loved praising the Lord in choir. He loved lifting his voice and praising as a soloist.
Jim is predeceased by his parents – Jim Sr. and Mary Lou Gartrell. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon; his daughters Dr. Robyn Gartrell and Mary Gartrell; his son Jack (Sarah) and five grandchildren: Jack Jr., Josiah, Julianna, Savannah, and Joshua. He is also survived by Cindy Gartrell, mother of his children; sisters Marcia (Jeff) and Suzi (Rob); brothers David (Wanda) and Glen (Ann), many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
But just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven,
Of touching a hand and finding it God’s,
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial,
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.
L.E. Singer
A memorial service will be held at Scott Lake Baptist Church, 5811 Scott Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33813 on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Visitation at 10:00am. Service at 11:00am.
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