Dr. James R. Garstick, 92, passed away peacefully at his home Monday December 23, 2019 after an extended illness.

Dr. Garstick was born in Warren, Ohio on Sept. 25, 1927.  After graduation from Warren G. Harding in June of 1945, he enlisted in the US Navy V-5 V-12 program, and was honorably discharged from Corpus Christi: NAS, August 1946.

Dr. Garstick earned his degree from the Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1951, opened his private practice in Columbiana, Ohio in 1954, practicing until his retirement in 1993.

Dr. Garstick was active in the Columbiana Booster Club, Kiwanis Intl., Lions Club, Historical Society of Columbiana, Allen Lodge 276, Scottish Rite Valley of Youngstown.

As a member of American Legion Benjamin Firestone Post 290, he served as 2nd vice commander, Buckeye Boys State chairman for 35 years serving four local high schools, Treasurer of the Columbiana Street Fair for 48 years, and a long serving member of the Legion Color and Honor Guard.

Honorary awards included being one of eleven recipients of the Neal Bradley Medal for "Exceptional Service in Development" for the Ohio State University College of Optometry, Warren Harding Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, Columbiana Chamber of Commerce Lifetime of Service, American Legion Post 290 Lifetime of Service.

His survivors include his wife, Vylee, of 70 years; three sons, Jeffrey (Nancy) St. Louis, MO; Larry (Lee) Rochester Hills, MI; Keith (Janice) Kingsport, TN; grandchildren Brett and Alese, Rochester Hills, MI.

Dr. Garstick was a member of the First Methodist Church, Columbiana, OH.

A funeral service conducted by Rev. Ronald Calvert (nephew) will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. The American Legion Post 290 will accord military honors following the funeral service.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27 at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana.   Allen Masonic Lodge #276 F & AM will conduct a service at 8:00 pm following the calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice Services, 5401 Ashley Circle Suite E, Austintown, OH 44515,, www.southerncarehospice.com

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.