James (Jim) Ray Garrabrant was born on May 21, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio. He passed away on June 9, 2026 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Jim was a quiet but also very sociable, friendly, and kind man who made many friends over the years. He had a phenomenal memory, and enjoyed reading and absorbing history books. Jim recalled family and cultural history in detail, making him very interesting to talk with.

Jim was hard-working throughout his life. He delivered newspapers as a boy, worked at Columbus Coated Fabrics the summer of his senior year, and took courses at OSU in 1952-53.

Jim volunteered for the US Navy 1953. He trained as a sonarman, and served on the USS Waller, DD-466 with the Sixth Fleet in the Med. He visited ports all over Mediterranean, was based in Naples, and frequented Spain and Portugal.

After his discharge in December 1957 at the rank PO-s (E-5) Petty Officer Second Class, he worked for Shell Chemical in Long Beach. After three years, he returned to Columbus, where over the years he held positions at Columbus Coated Fabrics, Beasley Industries (motor rebuilders), and Columbus Auto Parts. He served at Columbus Auto Parts as a shipping clerk for 26 years.

As a New Albany resident in the 1990s, Jim participated in the development of the village through appointment to the New Albany planning committee and later served on the village council. Jim was a member of Franklin Church in New Albany. Upon moving to Gahanna in 2000, he became a member of the Gahanna Community Congregational Church and sang in the choir. In 2002 Jim was a founding member of American Legion Post 797 in Gahanna.

Jim enjoyed traveling, taking trips organized by the Gahanna Senior Center and by Harry Mosier Tours, some day trips to nearby Ohio locations and some far afield, including an Alaskan cruise and a tour of Europe including Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

In 2017, Jim was selected for an "Honor Flight" to Washington, DC. Through this program, senior veterans are flown for free to Washington, DC, where they are feted by the Department of Defense.

In February 2017, Jim moved to Wesley Ridge in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where he resided until his passing.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Ray Garrabrant, his mother, Helen Garrabrant, and his much-loved sister, Lois Jean Garrabrant, who was also a resident of Wesley Ridge.

Jim is survived by his nephews David Brown of Scottsville, KY; Robert (Brenda) Brown of Reno, NV; Donald (Mary Jane) Brown of Maineville, OH; and Kenneth (Alexandra) Brown of Elgin, TX, and by their children and grandchildren.

Graveside service scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 at 1 PM in Maplewood Cemetery, 4585 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Rd., New Albany, Ohio 43054. Military honors will also be observed.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.