Jim Garvey

Former Santa Barbara resident, Jim Garvey, passed away on October 15, 2021, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a brief illness.

He attended local schools and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1960. Later graduating from UCSB in 1965 with a degree in mathematics, Jim followed a family tradition by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served for 7 years, including a 1969-1970 tour in Vietnam.

As a USMC Captain, and pilot, he was part of the Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 255 and later the 533. The Secretary of the Navy presented him with the Navy Commendation Medal for his courage and valor. Upon returning home from his service, Jim specialized in computer technology and was later employed with IBM in north Dallas. He retired early to Santa Barbara, later moving to Solvang where he was a proud member of the American Legion Post 160. He is survived by his wife of twenty years, Shelley Azbell Garvey, his children Dr. Donna Garvey Brickner (Jason), Amy Garvey and Matthew Garvey, sisters Bonnie Adams and Julie Garvey (Dave Corlatan), nephew Ret. Colonel Lamar Adams (Jennifer) and grandchildren Will and Cal Brickner.

Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, two sons, his sister Gloria Garvey and his parents, Don and Jane Martin Garvey. Jim was a life-long learner, a voracious reader, a man with a dry sense of humor and a generous spirit. Jim has now come home to rest in his beloved Santa Barbara and will be greatly missed by his family, including a large group of cousins.

A military memorial service for family and friends is planned for 12 noon on Friday, March 4, 2022, at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Channel Drive. In lieu of flowers, consider SBHS Alumni Assn, 700 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Attn: Jim Garvey 1960 Perpetual Scholarship.