James Rentous Garrell, 88, of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Brookdale Staunton in Staunton, Virginia.

Major (Ret.) James R. Garrell was born July 7, 1930, in Wilmington, North Carolina to the late Johnnie James Garrell and the late Bertha Mae Todd Garrell. He was also preceded in death by brother Bobby Melvin Garrell and sister Mary Pearl Garrell.

Major (Ret.) James R. Garrell was a retired Army Air Defense Officer. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He enjoyed woodworking and made many treasured items including furniture for his family.

The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at the Oakboro Cemetery at 1397 North Main Street, Oakboro, NC 28129.

Survivors include wife, Doris Marie Crayton Garrell of Stuarts Draft, VA; daughters Rhonda Marie (Robert) Russell of Stuarts Draft, VA, Mahala Gay (Dixon) Pearsall of Little River, SC; sons Johnnie James “Jimmy” (Ann) Garrell of Locust, NC, Crayton Franklin (Louise) Garrell of Raleigh, NC and George Todd Garrell of Alexandria, VA. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Garrell family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.