Dr. James Matthew Garrett

Dr. James Matthew Garrett, 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully while vacationing in Spain, a setting that reflects his love for life, travel, and time spent with family and friends. Born on June 17, 1983, in Tifton, Georgia, to James and Carol Roberts Garrett, Matthew lived a life rich in purpose, kindness, and inspiration. He made others feel seen, heard, and deeply valued.

Graduating as Valedictorian in 2001 from Turner County High School, Matthew’s early years were marked by exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service. He served in numerous officer roles with 4-H, Y-Club, Beta Club, and Sigma Lambda Chi, and he earned titles such as Star Student, Most Likely to Succeed, and Coca-Cola Scholar. His talents shone in both academics and the arts—winning awards in debate (Top Region Debater), drama (Best Actor), music, and public speaking. He also enjoyed playing tennis and placed 5th in State in his junior year.

At the University of Georgia, Matthew continued to lead and uplift others. He graduated magna cum laude with high honors from the Terry College of Business, earned a master’s in education, and later received a Ph.D in Counseling and Human Services. His belief in helping others grew as his ability to lead with integrity was evident in his dissertation study which was titled, Integrity Development in College Students. A proud Triple Dawg, he poured himself into campus life—serving as Executive Director of UGA’s Dance Marathon, Peer Leader, Orientation Leader, and a member of the Arch Society, Blue Key, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was also a UGA basketball cheerleader, and an active member of the Wesley Foundation which offered him the opportunity to serve on mission trips. Programs like Arch Society, Dawg Camp, and LeaderShape held a special place in his heart for the community and mentorship they fostered. He was named the 2004 Homecoming King at UGA and was honored with the Key to the City in Ashburn, Georgia as a result and the city honored him by proclaiming “Matt Garrett Day” at the Christmas parade that year.

No matter where life took him, whenever his beloved Dawgs played, you could count on Matthew to be yelling, “Go Dawgs!” His love for all things Georgia never wavered.

Professionally, Matthew made a tremendous impact in the field of organizational development and human capital. Beginning his career at Emory University, he served as a Leadership and Organizational Development Specialist, spearheading projects such as the McDonough Field stage. Most recently, he was admitted as Principal Partner at Deloitte, where he led with empathy and vision—designing leadership programs, fostering inclusive culture, and driving transformational change in federal, state and local healthcare.

For over two decades, Matthew was a dedicated volunteer and leader with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), serving in various leadership roles on the National Board and the Atlanta Steering Committee. He was named one of Georgia’s Most Influential Leaders in 2020. Through HRC and every part of his life, Matthew embodied courage, compassion, and authenticity. The difference he made in the lives of others, the voice he gave to those who had no voice, the passion with which he debated legislation with no doubt left a huge impact on this world.

Matthew was a gifted musician who played the piano beautifully and sang with heartfelt joy. From performing at his sister’s wedding at just 11 years old to comforting others through music at countless weddings, funerals, and church events, his talent brought peace and comfort to all who heard him play.

Among his many accomplishments, Matthew’s proudest role was being a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle. He shared countless memories with his family—not only on their annual vacations, but especially during family game nights filled with laughter around the kitchen table, where stories and time spent together mattered more than keeping score.

Matthew is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William Cluria Garrett and Annie Bell Sellers Garrett, his maternal grandparents, William Bennett (Billy) Roberts, Sr. and Dora Pate Roberts. Heaven's gates surely opened wide as his uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who were there, greeted him.

He is survived by his loving husband of ten years, Mat Bunch; his parents, James and Carol Garrett of Ashburn; his sisters, Reginna Garrett Germano (Choo Choo) of Yulee, Florida, and Renee Garrett Hughes (John) of Sycamore; his brother, Michael Garrett (Kristen) of Sycamore; his dear friend Luiz Gustavo; his nieces Aryn Germano and Aubrey Garrett; his nephews, Fisher Germano, Bryce Stewart, and Clay Garrett; his great-nephew, Koen Germano; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his legacy.

Matthew Garrett lived with integrity, led with love, and leaves the world brighter because he was in it.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made in Matthew’s memory to the Georgia 4-H foundation, so that others may continue to live as he did, by the 4H creed. https://georgia4hfoundation.org/matt-garrett/

A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Ashburn First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.