James William Garrity, Iii

James William Garrity III, 86 of West Chester, passed away on May 30, 2024. Born to James William Jr and Helen Ann (nee Whalen) Garrity on November 15, 1937, in Springfield, Illinois.

Jim was born in Springfield but grew up in Racine Wisconsin for most of his life. He graduated in 1955 from St Catherine’s High School and went on to attend Dominican College in Racine where he majored in history. He was a history buff and an avid reader. Jim kept a log of every book he read by the author.

He had a love of gardening, especially flowers. Taking pride in his flower beds every year.

Jim’s true passion lay in music. With an extensive CD collection encompassing various genres, it was Barbershop singing that truly captured his heart. His musical journey began in 1962 in Racine, Wisconsin, and continued to flourish over the years. After relocating to Cincinnati, he joined the Cincinnati Delta Kings Chorus in 2014, where his love for Barbershop singing found a new home.

He was voted the chapter’s Barbershopper of the Year in 2016, served as Membership VP, Chapter President, and Immediate Past President over various years. He had been a member of several quartets and was registered with Sounds Express and the Four Evers along with others in Racine and Oshkosh Wisconsin performing at events all over the cities. Singing was his pride and joy in life.

He was sweet, gentle, and kind. Jim was a social butterfly and easy going. A true friend to many, a devoted spouse and father and a proud veteran serving in the United States Army; stationed in Germany for most of his time. He was honorably discharged in 1965 as a Specialist.

Preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Garrity, brother, Michael Garrity and his spouse John Manning, and his two aunts, Dorothy Garrity and Marge Caufield.

Jim is survived by his wife, Virginia Ann (nee Stearns) Garrity, to whom he was married in 1964 at Holy Name Church in Racine Wisconsin and, children, David (Gina) Garrity, Scott Garrity and Kelly (Jason Clark) Garrity, grandchildren, Ryan Garrity, Reid Garrity, Alex Clark, Whitley Garrity and Max Clark, siblings, Bob (Cheryl) Garrity and Rosemary (Dominic) Cariello, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and the special  Prudhom Ladies, Shelley, Libby, and Robin.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6th from 10:00-11:00AM with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00AM all at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd, Liberty Twp, OH 45011.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Reach out Lakota West Chester, OH or Cincinnati Delta Kings .

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Garrity Family 513-398-9100