CSM James C Garraway's Obituary
CSM James Clarence Garraway was the fifth of seven children late Jack and Ora Hollimon-Garraway of Hattisburg (Mahmed), Mississippi in Perry County. James was born on May 23, 1924 and passed away on November 5, 2017 in St. Joseph Hospital. In 1952, he married Eunice King-Garraway, and to his union three children were born— Daughter Janice Garraway-Wilkins, Sons James Dale and Steven Van Garraway, both deceased.
Upon completion of his education, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served several years. He then joined the United States Army and achieved the highest enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major. During his illustrious military career, he was fortunate to travel the world extensively and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While honorably and proudly serving in the Army, CSM Garraway earned many awards and decorations: including a Korean Service Medal, Two Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, ROK Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct 7th Award, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, Combat Infantry Badge, Annual Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Carbine, and Two Letters of Commendation.
In 1963, his military assignment brought him and his family to Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he made his home in nearby Tacoma, Washington. In the early 1960’s, he and his family joined St. John Baptist Church pastored by Rev. Joseph Andrew Boles, Sr., and he served on the Senior Usher Board.
Upon retiring from military service in 1972, James along with his two brothers--Edwin and Robert--became co-owners of the Garraway Auto Wrecking Yard in Spanaway for many years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Wife Eunice, Sons James Dale & Steven Van; his six Siblings and their Spouses—Luther (Mildred), Edwin Ray (Cleo), Nathan, EttaMay, Doris Hazel (Roy )Silver, and Robert (Velma) Garraway.
As his survivors, he will “Forever be in the Hearts” of: Daughter Janice Wilkinson, Granddaughter LaKisha Moody and Meagan Garraway, Grandsons Dante’ and Shawn Garraway; and Great-Grandson Amorje Wilkinson; First Cousin Dr. R. Watts of Hattisburg, Mississippi; Nieces Vicki (Milton) McGruder, Rev/Dr. Carolyn Graham of Washington DC, Ora Graham of Maryland,, Shirley (George) Blood, Maxine Boltz and Husband, and Debbie Garraway-Buchta and Husband of California, Lillie Ann Garraway of California, Elyria and Fenetrisse Garraway of Illinois, and Helen (deceased); Nephews: Robert (Dennie) Garraway, Jackie Kidd-Garraway of Mississippi, and Edwin Garraway Jr of California and Todd Luther Garraway of California, R. Terry Graham of Maryland, Larry Graham of Texas and Eddy Lundy of Washington DC; a Loving and Devoted Friend Maria Phillips, and Long-Time Friends Oliver Henderson, Evan Boyd, Robert Miller, the remaining Honorary Pallbearers, His Breakfast Group; a host of Great Nieces and Nephews, Cousins, Neighbors, other family members and friends.
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