James Jay Garber
Friday, March 8, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday March 08, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Friday, March 8, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Friday, March 8, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Age:
89 years old
James Jay Garber
James Jay Garber, 89, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.
Jim was born on March 8, 1935, in Mankato, MN, to Daniel and Gertrude (Hilgers) Garber. He graduated from Loyola High School in 1953 and went on to pursue pre-medical studies at the College of St. Thomas. Jim earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1960. He completed his internship at Harbor General Hospital in Las Angeles, CA. Following his internship, he joined the Navy and was billeted to a ship out of San Pedro CA, where he met the love of his life, Rachel Ortiz. The couple married in 1962 in Placentia, CA, and together they raised five children in Rochester, MN.
Jim dedicated 40 years to his work at Olmsted Medical Center, where he pioneered treatment for alcoholism and served as the medical director for several treatment centers around Rochester. He was a physician at Guest House, an addiction treatment center for priests and brothers for over 30 years. He wasn’t driven by the science of medicine, but by the practice of medicine. Jim retired from Olmsted Medical Center in 2001 but continued his work in treating substance use disorders until he fully retired at the age of 80.
A life-long learner, Jim earned eight degrees during his lifetime, including a Ph.D. in Humanities. He was passionate about a variety of interests; a true Renaissance Man. In his spare time, he painted landscapes and portraits, translated ancient Latin medical texts, published three scholarly books, and enjoyed bicycling and climbing stairs in downtown buildings. He loved engaging in meaningful interaction with anyone in the community, striking up conversation with whomever he came across. Jim will be forever missed and leaves a legacy of love, laughter and compassion for others.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rachel, and their five children: Ann (Steve) Johnson of Coon Rapids, MN; Clare (John) Larsen of Rochester, MN; James D. Garber of Fort Worth, TX; Suzanne M. Garber of Cincinnati, OH; and David (Paknoosh) Garber of Chula Vista, CA. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Joseph Weis, Ray, Angela, and Hannah Larsen, and Ava Garber, along with nine nieces and nephews, his step-sister, Catherine Klugherz and his special son, Pete Knight. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, and his nephew, Tom Garber.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the River Park Reception Hall at Macken Funeral Home. In accordance with his wishes, Jim donated his body to the University of Minnesota to further the education of future medical students.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice staff for their love, support and compassionate care.
Condolences
The family of James Jay Garber has received the following condolences.
I will always remember Dr. Garber’s warmth, kindness, and keen sense of humor (the burning house Christmas card is legendary). His desire to help others as a clinician and author was inspirational to myself and countless others. To his family I offer my deepest condolences.
I have many memories of Jim and while I may have met Jim during some visits to OMC. I really met Jim and Rachel when they became members of our MS Tram biking team "The Trama Lama Ding Dongs". Jim and Rachel biked with us for several years, riding with us for 300 miles across Minnesota. Jim had a sense of humor and turned different things that happened everyday into something funny. While we camped, Jim and Rachel always stayed in motels during the ride. After a hot summer ride, we decided to join them in staying at motels. Jim made reservations for us at a fisherman´s motel in Ortonville, MN. While checking in, Jim asked the owner "what time was the complimentary breakfast". The response he got was that it just he and his son running the place and there was no complimentary breakfast. Another time, I remember, it was Wednesday, and we had the wind on our back and the team talked all morning about doing the extra miles to make it a "100-mile ride". It was an option the ride organizers gave on the 3rd day of TRAM. Jim kept saying he wouldn´t being doing it. Yet he did join us on the extra miles. Unfortunately, after we got to the half point, where there was no support like water and snacks, the wind was in our face as headed back. Jim entertained us all the way back to the host city comments about doing that part of the ride. Jim was kindhearted and fun to be with. He will be missed by everyone he touched.
Jim was such a fountain of humor and knowledge in so many areas. I can see him now in heaven surrounded by a bevy of students sharing his profound wisdom. Or maybe in a classroom (they must have schools in heaven) earning one more degree. We will miss you, Jim.
Dear Rachel,
I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I will always remember Jim for his sense of humor and openness. I wish I could be there to give you a warm embrace and sit together and share stories with you.
My children didn't have opportunity to know Jim, but they have been fortunate to meet your children. We hold all of you in our hearts and hope you know that we are with you in spirit and sending our love.
Love Connie, Teresa, Tracy, Emily, Sydney and Aaron
Dear Rachel, it was a pleasure to know Jim and talk with him about his passions for knowledge and helping all people. I learned about addiction medicine from him and Roy certainly enjoyed sharing patients with Jim. He did indeed pioneer addiction medicine and care of addicted individuals in Rochester, not just at OMC.
I am sorry that we will be out of town with our grandchildren on March 8th and unable to attend the visitation. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Barbara
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. James Garber. I never met Dr. Garber, I know one of his daughters, Clare. Dr. Garber sounds like an amazing man, clinician, humanitarian, husband, and father. What a legacy he has left.
Prayers for you all as you grieve for your loved one.
Dearest Rachel,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. We remember how kind and generous you and Jim were to us over the years.
Jim was so supportive of me (Katherine) as a psychologist at OMC. He truly understood the value of physician/psychologist collaboration.
May he rest in peace,
Katherine Kainz and Gary Wick
Rachael, we're sending hugs. Jim was quite a guy. Our lives were better from working with him. We hope those memories will sustain you now through your grief.
Louis and Linda (Williams) Wagner
My deepest condolence to Rachel and families of Dr Garber. I had the pleasure of working with Dr Garber for many years before his retirement. He was a very compassionate and caring physician and always did what was best for his patients. On the other side he was also very transparent with the staff at Olmsted Medical Center. He was always interested in what was going on with the facilities and enjoyed the updates and progress of many construction projects that he was able to be a part of. Those interactions are what I will remember Dr Garber for.
With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers.
Jim had such a warm presence, a curiosity for life, and a gentle spirit. It was an honor for our family to get to know him and his family over the recent years. He will be missed. We are sending love to you all.
My sincere and deepest condolences in this difficult time. You have lost dad’s body not his soul. May he spell your names each day in Heaven and remain proud of you that you are carrying on his legacy! May I please refer you to the poem well written by Walt Whitman: O Captain! My Captain!
Suzanne, your dad sounded like a fabulous person, father and man. I can see that you carry on his best qualities! My sincere condolences for your loss . May he and your family find peace. You will be in my prayers
I worked with him for many years at OMC. What a great guy with a special sense of humor. I cannot be at his services but he'll be in my thoughts.