Dr. Santiago James "Jim" Garcia, 77 years of age, passed from his earthly life to eternal life on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at his home.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 2010, at North Orange Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Lormand officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
Jim was born on Oct. 3, 1932 to Manuela Felan and Jesus Garcia. He was a native of Texas and is survived by his wife of 49 years M. Dolores Garcia, two married children: Dr. Melinda Garcia Schalow, James M. Garcia and four grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, Dr. Paul Garcia and his wife, Beth, from Columbus, Georgia; Frank Garcia and his wife, Nancy, from Buna, Texas; Jesse Garcia and his wife, Tootsie, from Louisville, Kentucky; Eddie Garcia and his wife, Peggy, from Goshen, Indiana, and Ben Garcia from Port Arthur, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim's entire professional career was spent in education. He received a degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and a Doctorate of Education from Walden University in Providence, Rhode Island. Jim served as Director of Special Education at Little Cypress-Mauriceville ISD for 24 years and as a counselor at Buna ISD. His teaching career began at Cove Elementary School in Orange. Other teaching assignments included: LCM School District, St. Mary's School in Orange, Deweyville High School, Community Christian School in Orange, Vidor Middle School, DeQuincy Elementary in Louisiana, Hyatt High School in Fields, La. He had also taught Driver's Education courses at LCM, St. Mary's and Deweyville schools. Dr. Garcia retired from the LCM School District after 36 years but continued to substitute teach regularly until early May of 2010.
Jim was influential in the establishment of ESL classes for adults through the Golden Orange Association of Literacy Services, where he served on the Board of Directors and as a tutor for the G.O.A.L.S. program. He volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Foundation, The Golden Triangle cities local judicial courts, governmental and health services as well as school districts throughout the area.
Jim's life included 24 years of military service. He was a Korean War veteran and served in the United States Army, US Army Reserve and the National Guard; life member of TSTA and NEA; Texas State Retired Teachers Association, Bridge City Masonic Lodge #1345, El Mina Shriners and North Orange Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He served on the Board of Trustees for Baptist Hospital for 14 years and served as a consultant and officer on numerous professional and civic boards in the area.
In lieu of customary remembrances the family would be pleased and Dr Garcia honored if the people whose lives he touched might be challenged to a make a positive difference in a young person's life in his loving memory. Keep sharing your stories and making a difference!
Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.