GARNER

James Edward "Jimmy" Bumgarner, passed away on March 28, 2020. He was born in Raleigh on August 26, 1944  to the late Jefferson Hall and Elsie Bumgarner. Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Bumgarner; son, Jeff Bumgarner and his wife, Michelle of Holly Springs; one grandchild, Justin Edward Bumgarner of Holly Springs. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bumgarner is predeceased by his sister, Sylvia Bumgarner and his aunt, Alice Bumgarner.

Mr. Bumgarner served his country with distinction during the Vietnam War. Aside from spending time with Linda, his greatest joy in life was watching his son and grandson playing any sport.

Due to public health concerns, the family will have a private graveside on Thursday morning. A visitation for friends and family with military honors will be held at a later date at Montlawn Funeral Home and Cremations 2911 S. Wilmington St. Raleigh NC 27603. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.montlawn.com .

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Letter for Daddy - from Jeff Bumgarner

Letter for Daddy

One of my daddy's greatest fears was dying early like his father did and not being able to be here for me.  His father passed away when he was 9 from a heart attack and he had to grow up without him. This was very hard and had a profound impact on him and he absolutely did not want that for me.  I know that it was the Lord that gave him the time to be with me but it was my daddy who chose to make the most of it. The pain that he felt with the loss of his father translated into a wonderful father for me.  He loved me as much as any father could love a son and told me that often. He was very proud of me and told me that often. He not only expressed his love through words but also through actions. When I was young, he took interest in me playing sports, especially baseball.  He was very good at baseball as a child and he loved to watch me play. He would go out in the yard every day during the season and throw ball with me…teaching me how to pitch, catch fly balls and field grounders. When I wanted to play soccer, he didn't know anything about the sport but he quickly learned and loved watching me play. He took me fishing, hunting, golfing…anything he could.  He petitioned to have me added as a member of his fishing club, one of the first additions to the club ever. He was there for the little things as well as the big things. If it was from giving me his creamed potatoes in his Kentucky Fried Chicken box for my slaw (he said he didn't like the potatoes but I know he did…he just gave them to me because I wanted them) or from telling me when I was trying to decide if I should continue on with my education for an advanced degree or just go ahead and get a job "As long as you are moving forward you are doing the right thing.".  He was always there for me and I am so grateful for that.

When he retired after 35 years with Southern Bell, he was somewhat lost and sad because he was beginning to have heart issues like his father, but it was not long after that that Justin came along.  Justin was the apple of his eye and daddy jumped at the chance to pick him up from places, take him places, just be with him. It gave him a new purpose and revitalized him. Mama and Daddy would take Justin to Topsail beach and they all loved it… searching for shark's teeth, walking on the beach with their dog JJ, going to Maxway (like the dollar store) and picking out any toy he wanted.  Justin and Daddy quickly figured out that they were like two peas in a pod… their personalities matching very well. They developed a bond that became like an unspoken understanding of each other. When Justin started playing sports it was like a rebirth of my father's passion he had had when I played. Justin played basketball, baseball, soccer and of course hockey….and my father never missed a game of any of it.  Justin would always say "In all the sports that I play how many other people can say that they have all 4 of their grandparents at every game "…and the answer was none. My father was not just wonderful for me but also for my son. I am so thankful for that.

My father was there for his entire family.  He took care of his mother (my Granny Bum) until her death at age 97 and took care of my mom their entire 57-year marriage.  After Michelle and I were married we were very fortunate in that our families really came together and became one large extended family.  We have Sunday lunch together, celebrate holidays together and go on trips together (Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and all up and down the east coast).  My father really enjoyed these times together and all of the memories we made.

The overall message out of all of this is that he had nothing to worry about with his concern of not being there for me.  The Lord gave him the time and he made the most of it, being there not only for me but his entire family. He was a wonderful role model for me on how to be a father, but also on commitment to and love of his family. I take comfort in knowing that I don't have to wonder if he knew this…I know he did because I told him often.  He loved me and I know he knew that I along with the rest of his whole family loved him very much.

Love,

Jeff