William James “Jim” Garceau

Jim was born December 7, 1940 at Bell Memorial Hospital, Ishpeming, Michigan to William and Mafalda Garceau.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, of 58 years, his brother, Terry and wife, Sara; son Tom and wife, Tonya; daughter, Carla Allen and her husband, Sonny; his precious grandchildren that lovingly called him “Papa”, Verna Gentil and husband, Jason; Christina and son, Sydney; Taylor Garceau; Jake Allen and wife, Grace; Abbie Ott; and Mary Grace Allen, Jim is also lovingly remembered by his children, Mike Garceau, Cathy Johr and husband, Dorsey; Steve Garceau and wife, Suzannne and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he adored his nieces, Emily Roberts and Abby Paquet.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and sister.

Jim (also known as Gus), graduated from Negaunee High School, Negaunee, Michigan, Class of 1959 and attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. Jim was a hero in his own right in football, basketball, and track. His favorite trip was to go back home to Neganuee for Pioneer Days and to get-together with his classmates. He loved sports and he loved the Green Bay Packers and The Texas Longhorns. He had a cheesehead and a lot of other Packer memorabilia. He coached his boys baseball and football teams from their early years up until high school. Jim refereed basketball and football and he also enjoyed umpiring baseball games. He was very active and loved to play racquetball, tennis, ping-pong, horseshoes, and corn-hole.

Jim excelled in his career since 1963 in retail and management. He was an excellent businessman and philanthropist. He was always helping someone or an organization giving of himself and raising funds for the unfortunate and those in need. Jim retired in 2006 and he drove the school bus for Georgetown school district for nine years before moving to Dripping Springs.

Jim never knew a stranger and he absolutely loved babies and puppy dogs, especially his little Gracie-lu, Waylon, Boone, and Missy. He had many great friendships and special longtime friends, especially Chas Campain. They have been friends since the 3rd grade. Jim loved spending time with his brother Terry who lives in Negaunee and they maintained a close relationship throughout his life.

Jim and Janet are members of St. Martin DePorres Catholic Church in Dripping Springs, Texas and Jim loved to refer to Father Justin as “his buddy.”

Thank you to all our dear friends that brought meals and showed us so much love during this time. We’d like to say a very heartfelt thank you to Father Justin for visiting Jim and also the sweet ladies from St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church that generously provided meals to our family. We are forever grateful to Suncrest Hospice for their loving care in taking care of Jim in his final days. Let us honor Jim’s memory as a symbol of faith and love.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a funeral mass at St. Martin DePorres Catholic Church on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 2:00pm with the burial to follow at Phillips Cemetery.

A reception will be held immediately following the burial with a light meal, drinks, and desserts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

Parenting Aging Parents, www.parenting agingparents.com/ support-parenting-aging- parents/.

CureALZ (Non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s), www.curealz.org.