April 22, 1951 - July 26, 2025

James Wallace “Cowboy” Garretson

James Wallace “Cowboy” Garretson, 74, of Marquette died with loved ones at his side, on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Country House Memory Care in Grand Island. A visitation and time of sharing will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Community Room in Central City. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date.

James was born on April 22, 1951 in Grand Island to Wallace and Mardella (Sauter) Garretson. He attended District 50 one-room country grade school, and graduated from Central City High School in 1969. He spent his entire life in the Central City, Grand Island, and Marquette area. In 1970 he began working for Southern Public Power District, and enjoyed working with them as a lineman and maintenance supervisor for 43 years, until his retirement in 2013.

Always willing to lend a hand to friends & loved ones, James loved building, & created so many beautiful things & places throughout his years. He loved a good cup of coffee, a good BBQ Party, & any place where there was good company. He loved in equal measure the peace and beauty of nature and the laughter and fun of life. And of course, he loved horses. At Country House, Dad had many rough times, but he also danced. He danced a lot, and laughed, and continued to be the best he could be at all times. It was an incredible thing to witness. He was an amazing, kind, and giving man. The best father, son, & friend you could ask for. Loyal & True. Anyone who walked a part of life with Dad knows that he was a gift of pure love. Let us be grateful, and bless all who grieve him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Mardella Ann (Sauter) Garretson; his daughter, Jenee Garretson; his siblings, Shirley (Tim) Spaargaren & Bruce (Maria) Garretson, and many loving friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Orra Garretson.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, whose incredible 24/7 support hotline team helped guide his daughter Jenee’ so many times. They offer support and guidance for those with Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, and all other dementias. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.