James D. Garner

James D. Garner 69 of Claysburg, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 8, 2018. He was born on May 26, 1949 in Roaring Spring a son of the late James M. and Laura M. (Meritts) Garner.  On May 19, 1974 in Claysburg he married Tanyia K. (Lingenfelter) Garner, his wife of 44 years, who survives along with three sons: James W. Garner and significant other Heather, Justin J. Garner and wife Cynthia, and Jarvis J. Garner and significant other Jessica, all of Claysburg; two grandchildren: two sisters: Patricia Garner and Bonnie Garner, both of Baltimore; a brother David W. Garner and wife Gloria, of Claysburg; and good friend and caretaker, Jim Kelly of Claysburg.

He worked as a MSMA electrician and plumber for 40 years before retiring.  He inspected quarries, underground mines for Labor and Industry, for many years.  He had a degree in high voltage work and engineering.  He retired in January 2009 because of health reasons and his son Justin J. Garner took over the business in 2009.  He loved his church, Greenfield Charge, and all the folks there.  He was a member of the Bedford Honor Guard and also performed military rites for Disabled American Veteran Groups in all areas.  He was proudly a commander of DAV Chapter 34 of Altoona, and District Commander of District 5 covering 6 counties.  James sat on the Disabled American Veterans of the State Finance Committee and their Prisoners of War Board.  He always said every veteran has earned a military funeral.  He was a life member of Cumberland Vietnam Veteran Chapter 172, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Legion.  His last assignment in Vietnam was on prisoner war camps.  Having many wounds after 40 years, he was awarded 100% disability from the DAV.  He had most respect for God, County, and Special Forces.  He was a social member of the Moose, Elks, and Redman Tribe.  He graduated from Claysburg Kimmel High School in 1967.  He enjoyed special devices, welding, and custom making of electrical controls and panels.  He loved his three sons and teaching them the trade on a daily basis.  They all have furthered their education as well in other areas.  He was close to all of them.  He also loved his two grandchildren immensely and enjoyed spending time with them by pushing them on the swing, reading books, or giving them tractor rides around his farm.  He is three sons helped on the family farm, of beef cattle in their spare time.  His saddest time in his life was during the death of his mom and dad to whom he was very close.  His wife, Tanyia, is very active in helping at military events in the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home and the VA Hospital in Altoona, along with many fund raisers for the veterans.  James served in the army three years, then after getting out served in the Active Army Reserves on training.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at the Greenfield United Church of Christ, in Claysburg, Rev. James Neatrour officiating.  Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the Greenfield United Church of Christ, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  Burial at Garner Farm Cemetery.  Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  Those wishing may make memorial contributions in James name to: Greenfield United Church of Christ, or PA Veteran’s Association. Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com