JAMES A. GARVIN, 77 of Hughesville, MD, died on April 16, 2010 at University of Maryland Hospital.

Jim Garvin was born in Liverpool, Ohio on December 20, 1932, the youngest of six children. The son of Ben and Margaret Garvin. His family moved to Washington, DC when he was young and they settled in Maryland.

At an early age, it became apparent that Jim marched to the beat of his own drum. During a time when it was unheard of for young boys to have long hair, Jim chose never to cut his. His mother supported his freedom of expression-- at the dismay of his elementary school teachers. At twelve years old while enjoying sports, school, and his friends, Jim's very long hair captured the attention of Life Magazine who featured him in a special article. Jim got his first hair cut at the age 19.

He joined the Army and enjoyed telling stories of his many antics. Jim had a great sense of humor.

Jim was a career mechanic. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Anne Garvin in 1960. He loved sports and played football, softball and duckpin bowling with many of his friends. He truly cherished those years. He and Charlotte raised their three children, Jim, Tim and JP in Lewisdale, MD.

Jim was a good husband and father. He was an avid Redskin and University of MD fan. He was a baseball and football coach for his sons when they were young. He also liked playing softball at St. Mark's school.

Jim and his loving wife Charlotte traveled and enjoyed spending time with friends. Prior to his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, Jim was a mechanic who loved to tinker and fix things. He always found value in anything and found a use for everything.

He was reliable, generous and always helped out friends and family.

Jim enjoyed his grandchildren and loved going to their sporting and music events. He was very proud of all of them.

Jim and Charlotte were happily married for 40 years. After his wife passed in 2000, Jim and his brother Bud moved in with his oldest son, Jim and his family in Hughesville, MD where he lived out his remaining years battling Parkinson's disease.

He was loved, admired and will truly be missed.

Family will receive friends to Celebrate James Life on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 9-11 a.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 where a Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson's Foundation, APDA Ann Arundel Chapter, PO Box 893, Severna Park, MD 21146.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.