James Edward Garrett, III was born to the late James Edward Garrett, Jr. and Mary Houston Garrett on October 21, 1957 in Winston-Salem, NC. He departed this life on March 29, 2018 at his home. James graduated from Richard J. Reynolds High School in 1976 in Winston-Salem, where he served as captain of the football team. An accomplished football player, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to attend Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC. James left Livingstone to attend and graduate from Winston-Salem State University with a BS degree in Biology. He worked briefly for NC Court Volunteers, where he offered support to young, troubled teens. James began his professional career in sales for Philip Morris where he set up store displays and serviced vendor accounts.  He continued to advance in the company, putting his talents to work in management. James moved from Detroit to New Jersey, again climbing the ranks in management. He eventually moved to Atlanta where he assumed the position of District Manager. He worked for Philip Morris until his retirement in 2012.

James became a member of St. James Methodist Church in Alpharetta, GA where he sang in the men's choir. His larger than life personality and infectious smile won over everyone he encountered. His distinctive laugh was unmistakable, most especially when he laughed at his own jokes. We fondly remember the way he would recite poems by W.E.B Dubois, make jokes, and was always the "professional supervisor". James was a leader, and as such he lovingly provided "oversight" to his brother, sister, mother, and anyone in proximity. He was a generous, compassionate soul.  A very gifted cook and grill master, he was known in the family as our "cookologist."  Everyone enjoyed James's colorful anecdotes about how to season food and prepare his signature ribs; stating that "ribs is [are] people too." James enriched our lives with so much love, support and laughter. He was a cherished gift, free to all. His sense of duty, responsibility, commitment and love was generously shared with no expectations.

James is survived by his wife Seneca M. Garrett; a son, James Edward Garrett IV, of Georgia; step-daughters, Brooke Goldman, Jordan Travis and a step-son, Mark Travis; his mother, Mary Houston Garrett of Lowgap, NC; a brother, Charles (Ann) Garrett of Whiteville, NC; a sister Wanda (James) Peck of Winston-Salem, NC ; two nieces, Laticia (Karl) Adams of Grayson, GA and Natasha Peck, Baltimore, MD; an aunt, Barbara Garrett; a nephew, Samuel Garrett; two great nephews, Garrett and Grayson Adams of Grayson, GA; cousins, Wayne (Harolyn) Rorie, Kashemi Rorie, Okanecia Rorie, Ellis (Pap) Mack and Eddie Mae Smith; and a host of relatives and friends.