James Robert Garrison, Sr., CLU, MHP, died on October 20, 2023. He was surrounded by his family, after an extended struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mr. Garrison was born August 29, 1947, in Charlotte, N.C. to Raymond Sloan Garrison and Madge Sullivan Garrison. He and wife, Jane, grew up together in Belmont, N.C., living only five blocks apart.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

James graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He enjoyed a successful, 50-year career in the insurance industry, beginning with Liberty Life Insurance Company in Greenville, S.C.   He moved to Savannah in 1985 for a position with Jones, Hill & Mercer Employee Benefits, Inc. He became Vice President of Business Development and  Sales with CBCA Administrators. After retirement in 2009 he established Employee Benefit Design, continuing to provide consultation in that area.

Mr. Garrison was a reserved gentleman, but he had a wry wit and a good sense of humor, reflected in his nickname, Fox. Sgt. Garrison served in the U.S. National Guard from 1970-1976 and enjoyed being a ‘weekend warrior’.  Never one to sit still, he enjoyed a myriad of outdoor adventures, most especially playing golf and riding his bike. He was previously a member of the Coastal Bike Touring Club, riding his bike three times in the BRAG (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia.)  His true passion was golf, playing when and wherever he could. His best golf memory was winning first place in a ProAm golf tournament with Australian Professional golfer, Peter Thompson. Mr. Garrison was a devoted family man. He was a Scout Master for Troop 57 in Savannah, enjoying campouts with his sons and friends. Troop 57 attended Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch in N.M. three times. He loved that all three sons were Eagle Scouts. He was a faithful Christian, a man of integrity, steadfastly loyal  to close friends.  He served as an Elder for Skidaway Community Church (PC/USA), as Clerk of Session and on many committees in the church and in the Savannah Presbytery. 

Mr. Garrison is survived by his wife, Jane Bridges Garrison; sons, James Robert Garrison, Jr. and wife, Kelly Tallman Garrison, Joseph Sullivan Garrison, William Bridges Garrison; beloved grandsons Tripp and Tanner Garrison; brother Dr. Raymond Sloan Garrison, Jr. and wife, Dr. Donna Southers Garrison; Dr. Daniel Knechtel and wife, Dr. Hilary Garrison Knechtel and their three children, Elaine, James, and Georgia; niece Elizabeth Pack; nephew  Wade Pack and wife, Windy Pack, and their two sons, Jonathan and Ryan.

The family extends appreciation and thanks to the caring and loving nurses and caregivers at The Oaks at Habersham, Saint Joseph’s/Candler Hospital System, Azalealand Nursing Home, and Hospice Savannah.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 11, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Skidaway Community Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA, Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to Skidaway Community Church ( 50 Dimond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411) , Coastal Georgia Boy Scouts of America, Hospice Savannah or the Alzheimer’s Association, Savannah Chapter.