James George Garvey was destined to be a soldier. Born in Albion, NE, the youngest of five children of Andrew J. and Florence Trotter Garvey, he grew up in Omaha, NE, developing solid Midwest values of self-reliance, responsi­bility, and patriotism that guided him through­out his life. His father was a veteran of World War I and his two brothers served in World War II. In 1952, Jim graduated from Roosevelt Military Academy in Aledo, IL, and enlisted in the Army.

While stationed at Ft. Hood, TX, with the 4th Armored Division, PFC Garvey was cho­sen as Soldier of the Month and served as an aide to the commanding general, MG Trapnell, for three days. This experience led Jim to the USMA Prep School at Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, NY, in 1955, where he made life­long friendships. Equally significant, Jim met his future wife, Ann Marie “Annie” Ostergren of Newburgh.

Jim entered USMA on 3 Jul 1956, mak­ing the age cut by just one day. Affectionately known as the “Old Man of the Class of ’60,” Jim lent his experience and wisdom to his class­mates unselfishly, including a few underdevel­oped upperclassmen. When Jim entered the Academy, Annie got a job as secretary to the Quartermaster Property officer, conveniently located in the old PX building. Several times a week, Jim and Annie met on her break for a cup of coffee. They dated almost every week­end for the next four years. Several hours after graduation on 8 Jun 1960, they were married in the Catholic Chapel with classmates from G-2 (Bud Mease, Ken Sindora, Mike Jezior, Fred Terry, Sonny Ash, and Phil Tripican) as ushers. Jim’s roommate of four years Tom Throckmor­ton served as best man.

After attending Armor, Airborne, and Rang­er Schools, Jim and Annie headed for Baumholder, Germany, in the summer of 1961, and Jim served with the 2nd Battalion, 68th Armor, 8th Infantry Division, as a tank platoon leader, scout platoon leader, tank company executive officer, tank company commander, and head­quarters company commander. They returned three years later with a daughter, a cuckoo clock, and a son on the way. Jim attended the Infantry Officer Career Course at Ft. Benning, GA, and then went to Ft. Bragg for Viet Nam training. He then was assigned as a Vietnamese Ranger training advisor and served as the operations advisor to the 2nd Ranger Group in Pleiku, Viet Nam, 1965–66.

Jim was an ROTC instructor at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, for two years before returning to Viet Nam in 1968 as senior advisor to the 10th Infantry Regiment in Ben Tre, Viet Nam. After attending the Command and General Staff College in 1969, he was as­signed to Europe with the 3rd Infantry Divi­sion, Kitzigen, Germany, as a division training officer, division logistics officer, and tank bat­talion executive officer. Back in the States, he at­tended the University of Arizona and obtained a master’s degree in business administration prior to serving as management officer at the Armor School, Ft. Knox, KY. In that position, he was selected to head a mobile training team respon­sible for the introduction of REALTRAIN, an engagement simulation system for small unit training, Army-wide. Next, he served as the commander of the 5th Cavalry Squadron, Ft. Knox, KY, 1977–79.

In 1979, Jim was Professor of Military Sci­ence, head of the ROTC department, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for three years and spent three years as senior Army ad­visor to the Wisconsin Army National Guard. During this time, Jim was selected for the Air War College. With two kids starting college and Annie’s clothing store business, however, the thought of moving to DC after the War College gave way to retirement planning. Jim turned down the War College and retired from the Army in 1985 after serving his country for 32 years. His awards and decorations included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (valor), Purple Heart, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Vietnamese Awards (two for valor).

In 1988, Jim and Annie moved to Phoenix, AZ, in the Ahwatukee Foothills and bought a house in a lovely retirement area. Jim became director of Rice Aviation, a school for aircraft mechanics. In 1988, Jimmy graduated from Arizona State University, and Lisa graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on the same day. What a pay raise that was! During the next 12 years, they watched their kids “grow,” get married, and make them very happy grandparents.

In November 2000, Jim was diagnosed with throat cancer. After treatment he lost his voice, but he didn’t stop enjoying life and his family. Doctors thought he was cured; however, a year later more cancer was discovered in the rib cage and lung. He underwent more surgery and treatments. He received excellent care at the VA Hospital in Phoenix, where he was told his condition was related to Agent Orange.

Like so many others, Jim gave his life for his country. Throughout his final days, Jim main­tained a positive attitude and an indomitable sense of humor, while a steady stream of class­mates and family visited. On 10 Feb 2002, he died peacefully with his family at his side.

After a memorial service in Phoenix, Jim was buried at West Point. The last line on his headstone is inscribed “Beat Navy.” We know Jim is smiling. Annie cherishes the 46 wonder­ful, fun, loving years they shared together.

In September 2005, Annie, Jimmy, and daughter-in-law Julie attended Jim’s 45th West Point Reunion. They carried stones from Annie’s garden in Arizona to be placed on Jim’s headstone.

The stones had lov­ing messages writ­ten by their grand­children Nicole, Derek, Ryan, Lucas, Jordyn, and Tatum, and also Annie, Jimmy, Julie, Lisa, and Tony. Memo­ries will be in their hearts and minds forever. Being with Jim’s friends and classmates was like being with family—a heartwarming and unforgettable event.

Grip Hands! Well done, Jim. Be Thou at Peace.

Ann M. Garvey and classmate Bud Mease