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James Garner James Garner Memorial

Born: April 07, 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Died: July 19, 2014 in Brentwood, California, USA

Actor James Garner, 86, Dies after a Long Career

James Garner, born James Scott Bumgarner, died on Saturday, July 19 in his home. Garner’s death is believed to be due to natural causes, in what is hoped to have been a peaceful end for an iconic American actor and hero.

As an actor, Garner is perhaps best known for two roles that made the most of his low-key, wisecracking style: Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford. Garner’s big career break came when he landed the role of Bret Maverick in the 1957 comedy Western TV series “Maverick.” The show’s success quickly made Garner a household name, but he quit the show after the third season due to a dispute with Warner Brothers.

The 1970s TV show “The Rockford Files” featured Garner reprising his role from “Maverick” - this time as a modern-day private detective. During “The Rockford Files,” Garner received an Emmy Award for Best Actor, but he ended the show’s run after six seasons due to the high physical toll on his body. Garner did most of his own stunts, and ultimately suffered a back injury, exacerbated a knee injury and was hospitalized for a bleeding ulcer near the end of the show’s run.

Garner’s acting career spanned more than five decades, and placed him in a wide range of television shows, TV movies, big screen films and even commercial voiceovers and animated shows. He was best known for his likable, human qualities; he was a relatable Everyman in an industry dominated by the beautiful and untouchable.

James Garner didn’t just play a hero on TV, though. He served in the Korean War, and received two Purple Hearts for combat wounds. He loved auto racing, and formed the American International Racers auto racing team, which he owned from 1967 through 1969. Garner even drove the pace car in the Indianapolis 500 several times during the 70s and 80s. He was an enthusiastic golfer, and he loved football - he regularly attended Raiders games, including at Super Bowl XVIII when they triumphed over the Redskins in 1984.

ln his 2011 memoir, “The Garner Files,” he elaborated on his character - including his tendency for punching people who said nasty things to his face, and his preference for bluntly expressed opinions. In short, Garner was a man’s man - demanding respect and deserving every bit of it.

Tragically, Garner’s death occurred less than a month before his 58th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Lois, and two daughters, Kim and Greta.

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MEMORIAL CREATED BY:
Dachary Carey on July 21, 2014