Impact Report August 2026
In this Impact Report, JFA trainer Jonathan Wagner reflects on the impact of one of our dear colleagues, Curtis Gene “Bubba” Garrett. Proudly hailing from Alabama, Bubba worked tirelessly in various capacities with Justice For All for about 15 years. Bubba continues to this day to encourage current and former members of the JFA team with phone calls out of the blue, reminiscing, and praying. In each interaction, he continues to show a deep interest in each person’s well-being as well as our shared work of advocating for the unborn and for the truth of Christianity. Bubba has always exemplified an attitude with a simple priority: show up and serve. Whether lugging sandbags with a smile or sharing a self-deprecating joke to lighten the mood, Bubba tends to put a positive spin on everything. If you know Bubba, you know he would object to this report’s focus on him, so with that in mind, let’s thank God for the impact He accomplished through Bubba’s service with JFA.
-Executive Director, Steve Wagner
Bubba talks to a student at the JFA Exhibit outreach at University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2006.
I stood there in the Texas heat, deeply moved. We were at the University of Texas at El Paso having healthy yet challenging conversations with frustrated students. The ministry was fruitful, but we were tired. During a lull before the next class change, Bubba shared a simple yet profound verse with impeccable timing:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thess. 5:16-18
I’ve been reminded of this verse since that day while serving in ministry and raising a family, especially because of watching friends like Bubba who have lived it out. I want to pause to give thanks to God for Bubba and for how his friendship and his work at Justice For All (JFA) has affected me. Through this reflection, I hope you can see how Bubba inspired and spurred our team on to love and good deeds, even as his role in our outreach events is different now than when he was an active participant.
Bubba Garrett has been a consistent friend since my earliest days with JFA, and he even served as a groomsman in my wedding 12 years ago. Although his wife Jackie has been mostly in the background in terms of JFA, she grew to be a friend and encouragement to me as I watched her serve as an amazing partner in ministry for Bubba – helping propel her husband in countless ministry pursuits in Alabama and all around the country. Bubba and Jackie recently celebrated 54 years of marriage! Between Jackie’s recovery from a stroke and Bubba’s recent challenges with dementia, their lives have changed somewhat in recent years, but they’ve continued to serve those around them faithfully.
Every member of the JFA team who has worked with Bubba has had a high regard for him. See Tammy’s statement (right) as one example. For my part, I remember purposeful and tender conversations, precious eye contact, warm smiles, godly optimism, perseverance, and timely advice. He lived out a Jim Elliott quote that hit me profoundly in college: Wherever you are, be all there.
Bubba with a student at Arizona State University (ASU) in 2013 (Image: Cheryl Caffarella Wilson)
Bubba modeled godly courage when outreach was intense. When team members shared difficult experiences, he was ready with an apt word or a comforting hug. Relaxing over a meal at the end of the day with locals who supported us, his timely stories and jokes built us up.
Bubba (second from right) and JFA volunteers pause to pray before setting up the Justice For All Exhibit at Colorado State University (CSU) in 2006.
In addition to laboring with the JFA team, Bubba also selflessly helped a number of other organizations as they contended for the rights of the preborn. Bubba has been faithful, bold, caring, genuine, and resilient. He impacted me as he led by example, uplifted me, took healthy risks, worked diligently, and spread an infectious smile far and wide.
Now Bubba is struggling with dementia, and it is frustrating, confusing, and challenging. Bubba is persevering in this new season and doesn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. Instead, he desires prayer and wants Christ to be glorified. In the midst of this, he is pursuing Jackie and enjoying his adult children and grandkids, while continuing to serve locally where he can. Bubba and Jackie are also still in touch with five women they raised through a girls’ ranch ministry years ago. Bubba knows that his family, our team, beloved ministry partners, and his long-time supporters appreciate him. He knows he’s loved by God, and his hope is in Jesus.
On campus he had a knack for challenging young men and joyfully lifting up the downtrodden. He cared for and connected with the heart of each person with whom he spoke.
At the University of Kansas in 2014
In our morning prayer times before our outreach events and in many other prayer contexts, Bubba would often close with Psalm 19:14. So often did he proclaim this powerful verse, that it stuck with me and echoes at every outreach for me.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
This was such an amazing reminder and calming force as moments later we’d launch into dozens of challenging conversations, situations, and emotions.
Bubba helped make the JFA team an encouraging community committed to defending the preborn, caring for women in need, listening well, wisely challenging others, showing the injustice of abortion, and training up gracious advocates.
Bubba set an example for us of a Christian who, by God’s grace, is firmly committed to justice while also embodying deep empathy and extraordinary care for others. His passion for justice and for people emboldened our team. Above all, Bubba’s example continues to give us a steady encouragement to continue standing up for the unborn while always acknowledging God’s authority, God’s perfection, and God’s abounding love.
Jonathan Wagner, for the JFA Team