James Brooks Gargano

St. George, Utah - James Brooks Gargano passed away Sunday, September 10th, 2023, peacefully in his sleep.  He was born April 6th, 1941 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Nina Ruth Tudor (Brooks) and Frank James Gargano.

James was raised in Fort Dodge and Coalville, Iowa, graduating from Fort Dodge High School in 1959, and Graceland College in 1964 with his Bachelor’s Degree.  James was a dual-athlete at Graceland, playing Football and competing in Track and Field.  He served as an Officer in the United States Air Force from December 1964 to May 1969, obtaining an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Captain.  In 1974, he was the AAU National Olympic Powerlifting Champion in the Superheavyweight Class.  In 1999, he retired from a 30 year career in the United States Postal Service.  In his youth, Jim raised, broke, and enjoyed riding his horses.  James’ passion was sports and family, and loved nothing more than coaching and eventually watching his sons, grandchildren, and extended family and friends play any sport.  If he wasn’t watching sports, he was playing cards.  He had a heart of pure gold, was extremely humble, and lived a selfless life putting all others before himself.  His parents and stepfather, Lowell Eldon Tudor, preceded him in death. 

He is survived by his children Jonathan (Maynelis) (Tampa, Florida) and Michael (Jaime) (Washington, Utah); grandchildren Valerie, Mila, Sienna, Aisey and Taysen; and brother Roy Tudor (Marge) (Madison, Wisconsin). 

Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community of Christ Church, 23886 Boies Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.  Inurnment will take place at 2:30 PM at Graceland Cemetery, 1000 Ohio Street, Webster City, IA 50595.

In lieu of flowers, due to his love of animals, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Utah at utahumane.org.

Local arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.brucesfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.