James F. Garbe, 81, died Thursday, November 6th, 2022 at his home in Gadsden, Alabama with his loved ones. He was born on March 7th, 1941.
He married the love of his life Carolina Lowe on May 12th,1967. They had one daughter Michelle, three grandchildren Blake, Tyler, and Victoria and three great-grandchildren Will, Zoe-Caroline, and Margaret May.
Jim graduated from Gadsden High School after graduation, he went to work for Allis-Chalmers while he attended the University of Alabama Gadsden and later moved to Tuscaloosa to become a full-time student of the University of Alabama where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He graduated from the university with a business degree and he went to work at Republic Steel where he worked for 17 years. In 1987 he opened Preferred Mortgaged where he enjoyed helping his clients become homeowners and buying their dream homes. He was a member of the Mortgage Association. He loved to design and build houses with his wife, he also loved Alabama football, spending time at the beach with his family, and he loved to cook.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Caroline L Garbe; daughter Michelle Garbe-Allred (Jerry); grandson Blake Erwin (Angela), Tyler Erwin, Victoria Hollar (Zac); great-grandchildren William James Erwin, Zoe-Caroline Hollar, and Margaret-May Hollar; sister-in-law Rachel Garbe Stewart and Lynne Lowe; nephew Matt Garbe; niece’s Jeannie Garbe and Pam Hutchinson (Gary); great niece Anna Bothwell (Zach); great nephews Justin and Jonathon Lowe.
He is preceded in death by his father Karl Garbe, mother Bertha Garbe, and brother Richard Garbe.
Pallbearers will be Blake Erwin, Tyler Erwin, Matt Garbe, Zac Hollar, Jerry Allred, Wes Hollar, Zach Bothwell, Jonathan Lowe, Cliff Daughtery, Special Friends; Wayne and Paula Hollar, Todd and Catherine Varnon, Dr. Chip Griffith, Gerry and Brenda Grant, and Maxine McKeown.
A very special thank you to his head nurse Kayla and all the nurses, to his head aid Elizabeth (who always made him laugh), and to all the other wonderful staff of Enhabit Hospice.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 6th, 2022, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at MeadowBrook Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM and will also be at the Church. Randy Gunter, his pastor, will officiate. Collier Butler Funeral Home will direct service. Graveside services will follow at Williams Southside.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to MeadowBrook missions fund.
