James Arthur Garner, Sr., also known as "Bunker Dee," was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on March 23, 1933. He was the only boy among eight children born to the late Lonnie Garner and the late Mattie McCleod Garner.

He attended the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and graduated from Atkins High School in the Class of 1950.

Following high school graduation, "Bunker Dee" enlisted in the United States Army and gave honorable service for his country in the Korean Conflict. During his tour of duty, he saved the lives of two fellow soldiers who nearly drowned. James received the Soldier's Medal forty-eight years later, for courage outside of a hostile environment for his actions. He was wounded in action in North Korea and was awarded The Purple Heart Citation.

James Garner married the former Dorothy Latham in 1953. Their marriage welcomed the birth of three children, Cynthia, Cheryl and James, Jr. The couple celebrated sixty-five years of marriage prior to Dorothy's death in 2018.

He was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church where he joined and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. Kelly O. P. Goodwin.

Young "Bunker Dee" worked as a caddy at Reynolds Park Golf Club and discovered his love for the game of golf. He became an avid golfer and used his talent and love for the sport to benefit the community. He hosted the James "Bunk" Garner Golf Classic to benefit Hospice of Winston-Salem. The fundraiser was  a tribute to his late mother who had been a recipient of the services that the agency provided.

James retired from the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Winston-Salem following his dedicated service to the department.

James Arthur Garner, Sr., "Bunker Dee," Decorated Soldier, Beloved Father, Avid Golfer and Community Friend completed and exceeded all standards of duty performance and conduct when he passed away at Carolina Pride Community Living Center for Veterans in Salisbury, North Carolina on Monday, April 15, 2024. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Latham Garner; and six of his sisters, Eva Mae, Luella, Eloise, Vivian, Margie, and Peggy.

The unspeakable joy that awaits him in heaven is the hope and promise of those who look forward to a reunion with him in eternity. Included in that number are his three children, Cynthia (Thomas Shelton) Garner, Cheryl Garner and James A. Garner, Jr.; three grandchildren, Courtney Favors, Naomi Willis and James Garner, III; two great grandchildren, Kainen Favors and Marcellus Willis; a sister, Sandra Thomas; two sisters-in-law, Betty L. Hargrave and Barbara L. Humphrey; many nieces and nephews, several extended family members and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm Wednesday at the Church.  Burial will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

The funeral service will be live streamed from Mount Zion Baptist Church Sanctuary on Wednesday. The link is:  http://video.ibm.com/channel/mount-zion-the-joy