James Leonard Garberding
August 26, 1938 ~ March 29, 2026
Born in:
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
James Leonard Garberding
August 26th, 1938 – March 29th, 2026
Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Resided in Pueblo, Colorado
James Leonard Garberding, 87, passed away March 29, 2026. Survived by children, James R. (Kristine) Garberding and Andrew J. Garberding; 10 grandchildren (Brian, Amanda, Sarah, Makenna, Jordan, Emma, Hannah, Ashley, Brandy, Salena); 6 great-grandchildren; his sister, M. Morgaine Avalon and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Garberding; parents, Raymond and Olga Garberding; sons, Timothy A. Garberding and Mark R. Garberding; hunting companions, Nature’s Eartha and Maggie.
James was born August 26,1938 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He was a retired teacher from District 60 in Pueblo where he taught Elementary and Middle School at Somerlid, Freed and Roncalli for over 35 years. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, hiker, camper, golfer and boy scout leader who loved the outdoors. Indoors, he could be found at the bowling alley, at home showing off his fierce cribbage playing skills, or in his favorite chair watching Colorado Sports and the latest episode of his favorite television mystery, “The Curse of Oak Island.” A devout Lutheran, he worshipped at Trinity Lutheran Church, always followed by sampling all the delicious desserts provided by the members.
He was an outgoing, friendly, thoughtful and loving man who lived for his wife, sons and grandchildren. James will be missed greatly by his family and friends, however, we can take great comfort knowing he has been reunited with his wife, children and parents.
Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trinity Lutheran School, 701 W. Evans Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004 or Boys Town (donors.boystown.org)
Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Mr Garberding was my PE teacher at Somerlid in the mid 1960’s. I’ve always remembered him as a nice man and never heard him criticize any of us even though I’m sure he had more than enough reasons to. In 5th or 6th grade some of us thought we were pretty good basketball players and we bugged him to have us play some other grade school teams. He probably had heard enough from us and so he arranged for us to play a couple other grade schools, drove us to the after school games he arranged on his own time. We found out what I’m sure he already knew, we weren’t near as good as we thought. He was a nice guy to us and that always stuck with me.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you cousin Jimmy and cousin Andy.
I will always remember Uncle Jim and Aunt Margaret letting me stay at their home on my treks out west. They always had a hot meal waiting for me, a warm bed to sleep in, and they would send me off with a wonderful homemade breakfast. As a young man I appreciated the feeling of having family so far from my home.
RIP Uncle Jim.
Cousin Paul and family
Thank You, Paul! Their generosity will truly be missed! They always looked forward to the Christmas Cards you sent and truly appreciated that!
God bless the Garberding family! I am so sorry for your loss, and so close to the loss of your Mom, too. Thinking about you!
Love,
The Grays
Thank you for the kind words Scott & family. So very much appreciated.
What a good person..thanks J..
Thank You Charlie!!
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and a great friend to my parents. My condolences. I spent many News Years Eves with him and Margaret! He will be missed.
Thank you for the kind sentiment, Janelle! They loved playing cards with you all on their Anniversary. Will most certainly be missed.
Jimmy, Andy and families….
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all during this difficult time. We had an awesome childhood growing up with you guys, so much fun!
Love,
Becky, Vic and Jodi Verner andDonny Trujillo
Thank you so much for you thoughts and prayers, Jodi. Our childhood was great for sure. Great to have parents like ours who let us safely roam the neighborhood and could yell really loud when it was supper time. Those days will always be cherished and missed as will our loved ones gone before us.