Jeffrey Allen Garrett

Jeffrey Allen Garrett, known as “Jeff” or “Chop”, was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 5, 1967 to Joan Carol (Schehr) and Gerald William Garrett. Sadly and unexpectedly he entered into eternal life on October 18, 2022 at the age of 55 of a Cardiac Arrest. Jeff grew up in Warren, MI and resided in Rochester Hills, MI. After graduating from Warren Woods Tower High School he began his career in Commercial Construction. Jeff married his old sweetheart he knew from high school. Jeff and Charlene blended their families with five children and were best known as “Garrett & Co”. He told everyone he met that he had five children and proceeded to rattle off their ages with a beaming smile on his face, “21, 20, 19, 18 & 17”. He was beyond proud of each and everyone of the children, always bragging about their accomplishments and how he attended all of their sporting events including football, soccer, all star cheer, high school cheer, baseball, wrestling, competitive swim and Esports. At one point all five children were attending Rochester Adams High School at the same time. This is where Jeff became a “professional volunteer” with the Athletic Boosters with his wife Charlene. Jeff was also very proud of the colleges and universities the children of “Garrett & Co” chose to attend including Grand Valley University, Savannah College of Art & Design, University of Michigan and Michigan State University with the youngest a senior at AHS. Although his children were no longer all living in the same city, he was there on “moving day” and was always only a phone call away if they ever needed anything day or night. Jeff was a family man, the life of the party, a story teller, a man that would literally give you the shirt off his back. He could always make people laugh and had a most distinctive “whistle” to get everyone’s attention. He was most recognized with a pinch of Grizzly in his lower lip and a Budweiser in his hand, wearing an Adams, UofM or State shirt and matching ballcap. But when it was time to shine he was always dressed for success in a shirt, tie and jacket. Jeff was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, Godfather, friend and co-worker. Those that knew him well knew that he was high spirited, energetic, caring, devoted, proud, hardworking and most important to him, he was an amazing provider to his wife and children. Jeff was also very spiritual. Garrett & Co are members of Kensington Church (non- denominational) as well as St. Irenaeus Catholic Church. Jeff was the man that would drop to his knees every single night to give thanks to God and ALWAYS started his night time prayers “asking God if he had a good day”. His prayers were often quiet ones but when we prayed together or he prayed out loud he prayed every night for the health of his family and friends first, then for peace, protection, strength and to be able to continue to provide for his family. He would throw something that was of relevance to the day at the end asking God if he had time in his busy schedule to also give consideration to the final request. Jeff’s life much like his prayers were always for someone or something other than himself. He was a selfless man always looking to please everyone he loved. Jeff was employed as a Project Superintendent at Korte Company of St. Louis, MO, where he loved his job working on numerous large projects throughout the country. He was formerly employed with multiple Concrete Companies as a cement mason, where he made lifelong friends. He spent much time on the road but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make to support his large family. Jeff was most proud of his Native American Heritage. Jeff was a tribal member of the Red Cliff Chippewa Tribe. He was on a Spiritual Journey to learn the Ojibwe language, culture, religion and traditions which escalated when he was on his last trip to the reservation in Bayfield, WI this past July. Jeff was passionate to learn as much as possible as he felt a spiritual connection to his ancestors. The 7 Teachings the Ojibwe people live by are TRUTH, LOVE, KNOWLEDGE, HONOR, HUMILITY, COURAGE AND PATIENCE. Jeffrey did his very best to live up to the expectations of his elders and would like to be remembered for these qualities. Jeff’s legacy of storytelling, bright eyes, huge smile, bigger than life personality and love and devotion to his wife, family and friends will live through the memories and strong willed spirit to all that knew him. He will forever live eternally in the hearts of everyone who loved him. Jeff’s closest friends will remember him as the life of the party, funniest story teller, a wild soul who loves to hunt, ski, and shoot, among other outdoor activities. Jeff played many sports including lifting, football, golf, baseball, wrestling and of course his favorite, hockey. Jeff’s family will remember him as a man’s man, always wanting to “fix” something rather than throwing it away and replacing it. He valued hard work, walking with a purpose, a firm handshake and taking someone at their word. He loved his children dearly and was fair but firm with good old fashion values. He instilled these values, religion, tradition, and always taking care of those less fortunate. To his wife he was a true romantic. He planned “date nights” weekly, and weekend trips almost monthly. He made fires for her nightly for 8 months out of the year while enjoying the latest movies or tv series. He regularly sent her love songs and text messages with old pictures of them together telling her he loved her every chance he could. Jeff leaves behind many who will celebrate his life and legacy, his wife Charlene Marie (Woodward) Garrett, his five children Gerald William Garrett III (son), Caitlin McKenzie Sellman (stepdaughter), Lauren Ashleigh Sellman (stepdaughter) Nicole Joann Garrett (daughter) and Ian Joseph Sellman (stepson), his loving sister Lauri (Doug) Sherry, nephew Brett Sherry, niece Lauren Sherry and his loving parents Joan Carol (Schehr) and Gerald William Garrett. He is preceded by his brother, Gerald William Garrett Jr (May 17, 1963 - January 5, 1964). Please join us in celebrating his life Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm Wujek Calcaterra Funeral Home 54880 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Twp., MI 48316. Jeff will be laid instate for visitation prior to an Eternal Life Mass at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church 771 Old Perch Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 at 10:00 am for immediate family and 10:30 am for extended family and friends followed by an 11:00 am mass. A luncheon service will be held immediately after mass at Brookwood Golf Course Club house located at 998 Brookwood Lane E. Rochester Hills, MI 48309. In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the Jeffrey Garrett Red Cliff Scholarship Fund. This fund will be set up in his honor so that tribal members can apply to receive funds toward their education expenses. Address and QR Code to follow on a separate Facebook post.

Jeffrey Allen Garrett

January 5, 1967 - October 18, 2022