Jack Burns Garrett, 98 of Columbia, passed away Saturday, December 21st at his home. Jack

was born August 5, 1926 in Corbin, Kentucky to his parents John and Rose Creech Garrett.

Jack was a 1958 graduate of Cumberland College and a 1960 graduate of Eastern Kentucky

State College (EKU). He was a retired physical education teacher and state dairy inspector.

After his retirement he owned and operated Garrett’s Bass Camp on Dale Hollow Lake where

he enjoyed being a fishing guide.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Eunice Cox, Dixie Rich, and Glenn

Garrett. Jack was married to his wife, Jimmie Rose Elliott Garrett for 66 years until her death in

August, 2023. Together they have two children who survive, John Patrick (Jean) Garrett and

Jacqueline Rose (Steve) Burton. Grandchildren Elizabeth Rose (Joey) White and their children

Carter and Makayla Rose, Stacey Ward and daughter, Raven Davis and Sarah (Daniel) Young

and their children Eliza and Elam. His good friends Bob Rice, Bobby Neal, Bonnie Cowan,

Harve Turner and his dog Happy. He was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other

family members.

Jack was baptized at First Baptist Church in Corbin at a young age and rededicated his life to

Christ in June of this year. He was a member of Trinity Church. He enjoyed life and entertained

those around him with his humor and stories. Jack was considered “one of the finest athletes

from Corbin.” He lettered in basketball, football and baseball. He was an all-state and

all-american basketball player and played semi-pro basketball and baseball for the Oak Ridge

Elks, House of David, and Whiskered Wizards teams. His House of David basketball team

toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. Besides sports, Jack loved to fish for smallmouth bass,

play checkers, camp and spent many winters in Florida. He enjoyed shopping for what he called

a “good deal.” If you ever had the chance to meet him you would not forget it.

Jack chose cremation, a service will be held at a later date on Green River Lake.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements