Dr. John Jones Garrett

Dr. John Jones Garrett, loving husband and devoted father was welcomed into the Lord’s presence on October 12, 2018 at the age of 83. Born September 19, 1935 in Houston, John attended Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School and received his B.A. from The Rice Institute in 1957 as a scholarship athlete on the golf team. He received his M.D. from The Baylor College of Medicine in 1965 prior to embarking on a 35-year career in ophthalmology. Between college and medical school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany.

From an early age, John was blessed with a special talent for golf, and before turning his attention to medicine, he enjoyed competing at the game’s highest levels. Locally, he won the Houston City Championship, the Texas Publinks and led his Rice Owls to the Southwest Conference Championship. Nationally, he competed in multiple U.S. Opens (his first at age 17), U.S. Amateurs, and finished runner-up in the NCAA Individual National Championship. While stationed in Germany, John used his weekend passes to qualify for the British Open, the British Amateur, and won the All Armed Forces European Championship. Known for uncommon length off the tee, he won over 25 individual titles, held numerous course records in the U.S. and abroad and was inducted to the Rice Athletic Hall of Fame. When asked about not pursuing golf professionally, Dr. Garrett replied, “I have no regrets about that decision. As a doctor, I was able to care for people in need for over three decades. To me, that was far better.”

“Doctor Eyes” was an old-fashioned physician who truly valued spending time with his patients. On weekends, he could be found roaming the fairways and manning the barbeque pit at family gatherings. Never one to shy away from an occasional card game, John treasured the good humor and fellowship he shared with dear friends.

Despite his many talents, John’s true earthly treasure was his family. For nearly 49 years he was married to the love of his life and best friend, Nan. Always together, nothing brought them more joy than spending time with family and loved ones. John’s gentle spirit, kind nature and endearing smile were beloved by all. He will be dearly missed until we are reunited again in The Lord’s care.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Edward Garrett and Alice Jones Garrett, brother Daniel Edward Garrett II and his wife Nancy, and son-in law Michael Everitt Clements. He is survived by his loving wife Nan Modesett Garrett; daughter Dr. Nan Garrett, her husband Bill Edwards and their daughters Kayla and Taylor; son John Jones Garrett, Jr., his wife Courtney and their sons Jack and Camp; daughter Elizabeth Morgan Hazlett, husband John and their children Morgan, Blake and Aubrey; daughter Kelly Morgan Clements and her children Pilar, Dmitri, Dakota, Meeshawn and Indigo; sister Margaret Garrett Burns and her husband John, as well as by numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held on Monday October 22, 2018 at one o’clock in the afternoon at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of John be made to St. John The Divine Episcopal Church.