James Garretson

Jimmy was born and raised in Danville, IL. He was born to James Garretson and Becky Anderson, they both survive. In 1996 Becky married Terry Anderson and he became Jimmy's bonus dad, he preceded him in death. In 2008 Jimmy then gained a bonus- mom, Kathy Stauffer.

Jimmy was the only boy of 5 children. He will be deeply missed by his sisters Katie (Greg) Ashby, Kimmy (Tony) Clippinger, Klarissa, and Kalynn Anderson along with all his nieces and nephews. Through Jim and Kathy's marriage, he acquired more family; Eric (Robin) Stauffer and family; Tyona (Matt) Albrecht and family. Jean Williams will miss him dearly. Despite bad days, whenever he would see Grandma Jean he always said “Hi.” He always enjoyed his visits with Grandma Judy and Grandpa George.

Jimmy graduated from Westville High School in 1999. After graduation, he found himself in the automotive trade. He's worked with many in the Danville area. Prior to his move to Billings, he married Summer Tryon to which he became a father to Ivan and Allison. He also became a stepfather to Clayton Tryon. He then called Billings home from 2010 until his passing.

As a kid, he was always tinkering with something. He would modify his bicycles to be “faster” and he would challenge the neighbor kids to a race, of course, he would win. In between races Katie and Kimmy would dress Jimmy up in his light blue “business suit” and send him door to door to “sell insurance.” In his early racing days, you would find Jimmy at the Vermilion County Speedway cheering on the local legends. He never stopped loving racing and continued to do so while in Montana. In 2020 Jimmy earned the title of “2020 Street Stock Champion” at Sheridan Speedway in Sheridan Wyoming. He would proudly show his trophies and tell stories of how he “beat them all!” Even when off the track Jimmy would drive like he was in it to win it.

With racing came an extended family. Without his racing community and the support from all that encountered Jimmy, his battle would have been unbearable. He loved each person as if they were family. While being in the hospital he received many guests but always looked forward to his afternoon smoke and piece of pie when Steve Berg visited. Gary Angell, Scott Hanser, Rod Lorenz, as well as many others, will always hold a special place in our hearts for being by Jimmy's side through his hardest days.

Jimmy fought a long and hard battle against Glioblastoma. He kept a positive mindset and with the help from his dog Roscoe, his hard days were made a little better.

Give heaven some hell Bubba!!

A memorial is being planned for October 7, 2023, at Big Sky Speedway. Details will follow as plans are being finalized.