Health & Fitness
Market Offered Memorial To Vendor James Garland
A chair, a peace lily and framed copy of an obituary stood last Saturday in front of the courthouse in downtown Watkinsville where James Garland usually had his Farmers Market stall.
By Lee Becker
Market Board Customer Representative
A chair. A peace lily. A framed copy of an obituary.
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These stood last Saturday in front of the courthouse in downtown Watkinsville where James Garland usually had his stall selling soaps and rag rugs in the Oconee Farmers Market.
Garland, 50, had passed away three days earlier after suffering a stroke.
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This was Garland’s second year at the Market. He was joined by his wife, Ann Garland. This year she also has had her own booth selling Island Ice snow cones.
“He was just the nicest guy,” Market Manager Cindy Pritchard said. “He was always there early and stayed late. He was always willing to lend a hand.”
Tag On Flower
The obituary sitting on the chair had appeared in the May 30 edition of the Athens Banner-Herald, where Garland was a columnist.
Next to it was a card, which, by midmorning on Saturday, was filled with signatures and statements of sympathy from market vendors and customers.
The tag on the flowers read simply: “In Memory of James Garland, From Your Farmers Market Family.”
Pritchard and other vendors took the lily and card to funeral services held after the Market closed on Saturday.
Active Locally
Garland, who lived in Winterville, was active in local politics, appearing before the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission, among other groups, to speak up on issues of concern to him.
Born in Stephens County, Garland earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from American Public University.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by family members in the Toccoa area.
Market Resumes
The Market will resume at 8 a.m. on Saturday in front of the courthouse in Watkinsville and remain open until 1 p.m.
The Market also operates from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at Watkinsville First Christian Church at the corner of Main Street and Simonton Bridge Road in downtown Watkinsville.
Vendors on Saturday will offer:
- green beans
- squash
- zucchini
- cucumbers
- grassfed beef
- chicken
- pasture raised pork
- farm fresh eggs
- cabbages
- goat cheese
- peaches
- honey
- cakes
- pies
- cookies
- breakfast items
- granolas
- fresh pasta
- breads
- handcrafted items
- plants
- vegetarian cat and dog treats
- Shea butter
- Free coffee and ice water