James Garry Starr

James Garry Starr passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at his home in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 84. He was the younger of two sons born to Ronald Blaine and Thelma C. Starr in Wellston, Ohio. He graduated from Wellston High School where he played basketball and caught the attention of his future bride, Thelma May Thorne, who noticed his dashing good looks, beautiful voice and cool motorcycle. They married in 1958 and spent 62 years loving each other and raising their family. After completing his degree in mathematics, he joined the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant serving 3 years of active duty at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and another 10 years as a Captain in the Reserves. Garry worked for Motorola (Phoenix) in the early days of computer programming and for Singer Business Machines (Ft Worth, TX) but found that he preferred to work for himself much like his dad and older brother, Arlen. He owned Starr Steam Carpet Cleaning and then settled into the real estate business which perfectly suited his outgoing and friendly personality. Garry's greatest loves and joy were God, his family and singing. He began singing in a gospel quartet during coll...[more]

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and never stopped. In 1962, the original Master's Quartet won first place at the National Quartet Convention and he continued through the years with the Challengers, Ambassadors and current Master's Quartet. He loved to travel, eat good food and share laughter, music, and God's love with family and friends. He was immensely proud of his two daughters, Michelle Gregoire (William) and Tamara Krause (Mark); adored his grandchildren Ashley Cronkite (David), Benjamin Gregoire (Saylah), Austin Krause (Chantel) and Jordan Krause; and took the greatest of delight in his great-grandchildren Dominic, Bella and Rachel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund. https://curealz.org/ Visitation will be Monday, October 12, 5-8pm and a memorial service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, October 13, both at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary located at 6500 E. Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we ask that you wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. The Tuesday service will be live streamed and available on video for those unable to attend.