James Garrett

Dr. James Carter Garrett, age 85, passed away on July 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Annie Pearl Garrett and James Luther Garrett, James was a proud son of the city he lived in throughout his life. He graduated from Fisk University, where he became a member of the Eta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and later earned his doctoral degree from the University of Tennessee.

He married the love of his life, Paulette Henderson Garrett. Their marriage was blessed with two children, James Carter Garrett, Jr., and Stacey Garrett Koju.

James was a faithful servant of God. He loved his wife deeply and delighted in entertaining family and friends alongside her. Together, they became known for their homemade ice cream—rich, unforgettable, and often featuring fresh peaches—which was eagerly anticipated by all fortunate enough to enjoy it.

Family was the cornerstone of James's life. Even after marrying and starting his own household, he remained steadfastly devoted to his parents and extended family. For decades, it was a rare weekday when he missed breakfast and “supper” with them.

To say James was an avid golfer is an understatement of his passion for the game. He also loved to play chess, a card game with friends, and he never turned down a cup of coffee. James was affectionately known as “Brother” and “Uncle Brother” by his siblings and nieces, and nephews; he was “Garrett” to everyone else. Many of his children’s friends fondly referred to him as “Crazy Man” because of his relentless and creative determination to outsmart the voles that tunneled throughout his yard.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paulette Henderson Garrett; his parents, Annie Pearl and James Luther Garrett; his sister, Barbara Jean Crawford; his brother, William Lee Garrett; his parents-in-law, Oliver Henderson, Sr., and Artherine Platt Henderson; his brothers-in-law, Oliver Henderson, Jr., Ambrose Henderson, Norwood Henderson, Marvin Henderson, and Vincent Henderson; and his sisters-in-law, Avril Lindsey, Yvonne Jackson, and Myrtis Cline.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, James Carter Garrett, Jr. (Claudia), and daughter, Stacey Garrett Koju (Suman Prasad), both of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother-in-law, Harold Henderson of Mobile, Alabama; nieces Tonja Brooks (Reginald) of White Plains, Maryland, Kimberly Freeman (Micah) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Rayne Henderson of Lathrup Village, Michigan; nephews Michael Henderson (Kim) of Lansing, Michigan, and Norwood Henderson (Stella) of Detroit, Michigan; his devoted cousin, Mary "Wyoming" Douglas; and a host of other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Amedisys Home Health Care for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided during James's final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:15 a.m. immediately preceding the service. Entombment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to James's beloved alma mater, Fisk University. Donations may be made online at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate or by mail to: Fisk University, Office of Development 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208. Please indicate that contributions are made in memory of Dr. James C. Garrett.