The Reverend James E. Garlen, 75, of Eden, Georgia, died Friday, December 26, 2008, after an extended illness. He was born, September 21, 1933 in Summerville, Alabama. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He was called into the ministry in 1952. He married Margie Cellan of Artesia, New Mexico, on June 2, 1954.



James and Margie first evangelized while James was still serving in the Air Force. In 1955 the Garlens' first daughter, Lyne, was born. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, his first pastorate was at the Florala Church of God. He received his Exhortor's Minister's License in 1956, while still at Florala. The Garlens moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, in the fall of 1956, where James continued his education at Lee College. In 1959 the Garlen's second daughter, Deborah, was born. After Lee College, James and Margie moved to New Mexico where they pastored several churches. While serving at Carlsbad, New Mexico, James was appointed by the Church of God General Headquarters as Far East Representative to the Military.



During the Vietnam era James traveled throughout Vietnam and other Far East countries, establishing inter-denominational fellowships for servicemen. In 1968 the family moved to Okinawa where James oversaw the building of the Pentecostal Servicemen's Center. In 1970 James and the family returned to the United States as a pastor. In 1972 James accepted the Anchorage Alaska Church of God with the assignment to build a new servicemen's center.



During his tenure at Monterey Park James accompanied a missionary to Ukraine. He returned to Ukraine many times to preach to large audiences, support orphanages, and assist in providing medical supplies. He established Covenant Life Ministries to raise funds to assist the people of Ukraine. As his health failed his daughter Lyne took over the ministry and continues to present. After retirement James served as pastor at the Hinesville Church of God, for three years.



A kind and gentle man, he will be remembered by his family and friends for his great faith, his commitment as a people's pastor, and his lifelong dedication of service to others. A loving son, devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather, he lived his life following in Christ's footsteps. Preacher, pastor, carpenter and friend, he made a difference in the lives of everyone who knew him.



Reverend Garlen was preceded in death by his parents: Rev. W. B. and Maudie Leeth Garlen; a brother, W. B. Garlen, Jr., and an infant son.



Reverend Garlen is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Margie L. Cellan Garlen, his two daughters and sons-in-law, Lyne and George Hitt of Statesboro, Georgia, Deborah and Arnold White Savannah, Georgia, seven grand children, and nine great grand children; one brother, Bill and Virginia Garlen of Jesup. Several nieces and nephews also survive.



Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 28, 2008 at the Thomas Strickland Funeral Home in Pooler, Georgia, at 1:30 pm, with visitation from the funeral home on Saturday, December 27 from 6 pm until 8 pm. Burial will follow at 4 pm from the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. The Reverend Doctor Gene Rice will officiate and the Reverend. Wayne Merritt will assist. Pallbearers will be Ted White, Cameron Pierce, Keith Baker, Mac Brian, David Hitt, and Hugh Gross. Send Remembrances To: Covenant Life Ministries, P.O. Box 267, Statesboro, Georgia 30458.