James Anthony Garza, 67, of Lubbock, Texas passed from this life on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Windmill Village Rehabilitation and Care Center in Lubbock after a lengthy illness.

Anthony was born on Nov. 21, 1958, to James and Risalda Garza in Brownfield, Texas. They moved to Lubbock in 1964, settling there for the remainder of their lives. They were active at Christ the King Catholic Church. Anthony graduated from Monterey High School in 1977. While attending Monterey, Anthony developed a deep passion for electronics. He was a vital member of the campus radio station staff. Working at KOHM led to his life's work in broadcasting, primarily as a radio engineer.

He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock and Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, studying subjects that were of interest to him, especially Engineering. While at Wayland, he also worked in the Communications Department and radio station and made lifelong friends. Anthony was self-taught on a wide variety of subjects, an independent, free spirit but serious in his commitment to his work ethic. He was eclectic and unpredictable but always had a purpose.

Sometimes known on the air as "Anthony Kerns," he worked as a radio personality at numerous radio stations in Lubbock, Amarillo and Eastern New Mexico. He also worked as a technician at High Fidelity of Lubbock, an upscale retail stereo store, and as a freelance engineer and sound technician for several radio stations, recording studios and a few television stations. He and longtime friend Pat Graves operated a disc-jockey-for-hire business called Good Guys, Good Vibes for several years in Lubbock. He spent the past 15 years working for Wilkes Media at Lubbock radio station KRFE.

Anthony's professionalism, knowledge of the field and commitment to his craft were legendary, garnering him well-deserved recognition in 2025 for his 50 years of service to the industry. But his quick wit, sly smile and unique personality will be remembered most.

Anthony was a generous and helpful soul, even from an early age. He preferred personal values over physical possessions and lived a very simple life devoted to friends and colleagues. He enjoyed cycling, music and movies and rebuilding sports cars. He loved reading and writing and was a faithful Catholic.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Gary (Venita) of Lubbock; nephews Brady (Hayli) of Graham, Dawson of Austin and Colton of Wolfforth. great nephews Beckett and Weston; and great niece Bennett.

A memorial celebration for friends and relatives will be scheduled at a later date. The family requests that any donations made on Anthony's behalf go to Hospice of Lubbock or Lubbock media-related scholarships.

A special thanks to the staff at Windmill Village Rehabilitation and Care Center.