Obituary of Everett James Garman

Everett James “Jim” Garman died at his home on January 2, 2024 on Hilton Head Island, SC.  He was 79. 

Jim was born on July 17, 1944 in Hillsboro, Ohio to Everett and Lillian Garman. After High School graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  During his time of service, he was stationed in many countries including one tour of duty in Vietnam.  When he returned to the United States, he obtained his Bachelor Degree from The University of Maryland and then went on to get his Masters Degree from Central Michigan University.  Jim married the love of his life, Willow “Bunny” Garman on February 22, 1969.  Together they raised two daughters while he dedicated himself to his career with the Federal Court System. 

After retirement from the Federal Government in 1993, he moved to Hilton Head Island and quickly found his second career building homes.  He started Willow Tree Low Country Homes in 1995.  He was an active member of the Hilton Head Area Homebuilders Association as well as the Homebuilders Association of South Carolina.  He served as President of the Hilton Head Area Homebuilders Association in 2009 and then went on to serve as the President of the Homebuilders Association of South Carolina in 2017. Jim was very proud of his service to these associations. He took great pride in helping to establish the Be Pro Be Proud SC Program which supports educational outreach and training programs for students in the building trades throughout the state.     

Jim was above all else a family man. He is survived by his wife, Willow; his daughter and son in law, Kerri and Craig Lester of Hilton Head Island, his two granddaughters, Courtney and Paige Lester; His sister Lori Tillis and her husband Darrell; His sister Nedra Guthrie and his brother John Garman.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Garman and his daughter, April Garman.     

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on January 20, 2024 at 11 am at The Island Funeral Home; 4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hilton Head Homebuilders Education Foundation, P.O. Box 22360, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 or Be Pro Be Proud SC 2425 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.