James Garner dies at 86

Actor James Garner, a star of movies like "Grand Prix" and television shows but best known as the amiable gambler Bret Maverick in the 1950s western "Maverick" and the cranky sleuth Jim Rockford in the 1970s TV series "The Rockford Files," was found dead in his California home on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on Sunday. He was 86. The cause of death was not immediately announced but Garner had been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 2008.

Garner, who starred in John Frankenheimer's epic Formula 1 movie "Grand Prix" in 1966 (ABOVE), had a long association with auto racing and was a keen amateur racer himself.

"RIP James Garner. Admired by all who knew himm" tweeted "Rush" director Ron Howard. "When starring in 'Grand Prix' the people around F1 said he had the talent to be a pro driver."

Garner was an owner of the "American International Racers" race team from 1967-'69. Famed motorsports writer William Edgar and Hollywood director Andy Sidaris teamed with Garner for the racing documentary The Racing Scene, filmed in 1969 and released in 1970. The team fielded cars at Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring endurance races, but is best known for Garner's celebrity status raising publicity in off-road racing events. Indy legend Parnelli Jones got to know Garner well in those years, and remembers their association fondly.

"I'll miss Jim for sure and my family and I offer our condolences to his entire family and all his friends," said Jones on Sunday. "Jim was very special, for sure. The first time I got acquainted with Jim was in 1968 when he raced in the Baja 1000 in Mexico with Scooter Patrick. The Baja 1000 was a really big deal back then, big enough to be covered by ABC's 'Wide World of Sports.' Jim was a hell of a driver, a competitor, most people don't remember that and that he raced in a lot of different types of cars over the years. He truly was a 'man's man.'

"Jim was a friend and when he came to Indianapolis as a spectator and pace car driver we obviously welcomed him with open arms. People will remember him for his performances in 'Grand Prix,' 'The Rockford Files' and also for his excellent acting in so many other movies and TV shows – he was so smooth and such a natural, he made it look easy. He excelled in both movies and television – a rarity back then.

"I'll tell you something else, Jim was also one heck of a golfer – he played scratch golf and we shared lots of fun memories, not only at the races together but on the golf course over the years. He was a good, good man and always shared his fun and smiles with those around him. If you were around Jim, you enjoyed the time you spent with him."

Garner's team prepared SC/Ramblers for the Baja 500, which took three of the top five places in the sedan class.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said: "All of us at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are saddened by the passing of James Garner. He was a true friend of the Indianapolis 500 and his passion for the event, for the sport, and its fans made his many appearances at the race something to look forward to each year.

"As a three-time pace car driver for the 500 (1975, 1977 & 1985), Garner was also a skilled driver and will be remembered as one of the first true celebrities to be given the honor of leading the field of 33 to the green flag. Our thoughts and prayers are with Garner's family, friends and fans."

Although best known for his action roles in film and TV, Garner's wry sense of humor also served him well in comedies. He earned an Academy Award nomination for the 1985 romantic comedy "Murphy's Romance."