Jane Buck Garner

Jane Buck Garner passed away peacefully October 11, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.  Jane was born July 29, 1943, in Grayson, KY and moved to Powhatan with her Mom at age 7.  She was predeceased by her mother, Ivis Rose Buck and her father, John Edward Buck, Sr.  

Jane is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, James Fielding Garner, son, Michael Fielding Garner (Michelle), daughter, Janet G. Turner (Kenny), grandson, Chase Fielding Garner, brother John Edward Buck, Jr. (Audrey), cousin, Pat Wilson Brooks who Jane considered a sister, and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special appreciation and thanks to Catherine and Mark Girsham, of Admired and Retired, LLC residential home care, for the professional and loving care they provided Jane during her extended stay there. 

Jane graduated from Powhatan High as Salutatorian of the Class of 1961.  In September 1960, she met Fielding, a shy17 year old from Manchester High in Chesterfield, on a blind date.  They "went steady" for 4 years with Jane enrolling as a dorm student at Westhampton College and Fielding as a day student at Richmond College.  Jane went to summer school for 3 years straight in order to graduate a year early and go to work so they could marry while Fielding completed his senior year.  

After 18 months of marriage Fielding was drafted by the Army and Jane was a faithful  Army wife for 3 years of his service.  After he returned from Vietnam they had two great children, Mike and Janet.

Jane had several "careers" including elementary school teacher, medical insurance claims processor, and other jobs before her significant career as Director of Volunteer Services at Chippenham Hospital.  Among her many accomplishments was building Chippenham's volunteer program from less than 100 to over 200 volunteers.  Jane was instrumental in obtaining Barbara Bush, George W. Bush, Sr's first lady, to be keynote speaker for the event honoring the completion of one million hours of service by the Volunteer Department at Chippenham.

Following retirement Jane held various part time jobs, served as a hospital volunteer, and was active in church.  She and Fielding spent many happy days over 32 years enjoying swimming, boating and fishing at their getaway cottage at Trice's Lake.  Jane loved all animals, especially dogs, and she owned several over the years, including her beloved Barney and Oscar. 

A private graveside service will be held at the family cemetery in Powhatan.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests considering a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association or favorite animal charity.