James Harold Garmhausen

June 5, 1944 ~ November 6, 2021

James Harold Garmhausen was born in Lima, OH on June 5, 1944. His parents were Harold J. Garmhausen and Marjorie Bowsher. He had one older brother, Tom, who passed away in 2006.

Jim graduated from Lima Senior High. While teaching at a high school in Delphos, OH, he got a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Lima branch of Ohio State University.

He was on the “All American College Bowl” team and knew something about almost everything, except maybe math. Some of his friends from those days still enjoy Jim’s paintings and drawings from that time.

He had a series of jobs, including working in a headshop, welding frames for a trailer factory, and opening and running a small bookstore.

While he was working on his MFA – and after – he had several poems published in literary magazines and was awarded a grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

He also published a small-press series of poetry books called “Black Book,” featuring poets such as Anselm Hollo, Jack Clark, and Brian Richards.

Jim earned an MFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University and started a Ph.D. in fine arts but did not finish.

He taught – mostly – English, including grammar, composition, and literature at various community colleges, including the College of San Mateo, Foothill College, Skyline College, and even the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Also during that time, Jim returned to painting, and several galleries carried his work. He was featured in several prominent art shows in Seattle, Salt Lake City, and southern California.

Rebecca Peters, who was married to Jim up until 2009, said, “We always had a garden, and in Berkeley, Jim made friends with the neighbors with his ‘vegetable diplomacy,’ taking folks the fruits of his labors: tomatoes, peppers, etc.”

That custom continued in Blanding, and many friends and neighbors have benefited from Jim’s garden.

Jim fell in love with Utah early on – from looking at his parents’ Arizona Highways magazines.

Retiring as a college professor and moving to Blanding was a big change, but a change he loved.

His purpose in life was to help people (and animals) who needed help. He was a natural teacher and loved to talk with people about any topic.

Jim passed away at Utah Valley Hospital on November 6, 2021. His “Garm-isms” will remain with those who loved him.

Memorial service will be held at the San Juan Mortuary in Blanding, UT on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 11 a.m. All are welcome.

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