James Hamilton Garrison

Jim Garrison, Dad, Papaw, and Papa, was born February 6, 1936 in Fremont, Nebraska. The son of Merion and Ethel Garrison, he came to know the Lord as a young boy and began a lifetime relationship with Him. Jim graduated from Fremont High School in 1954 and entered Cornell Home Study Courses, learning Merchandising, Business Operations and Marketing. On June 9, 1957, he married Betty June Harris. In a loving Christian home, they raised three children. His successful career began in Omaha, NE with Hinky Dinky Stores and spanned decades before ultimately moving to Plano, TX where he became Vice President and Director of Meat Operations for Cullum Companies, and retired in 1986 as President of Gooch Packing Co., Inc. During his life, Jim found his greatest joy serving others through the Jaycees, Toast Master’s, Chairing the State Fair of Texas Livestock Auction Committee, Directing the Abilene Food Bank, the Abilene Water Commission and many more. Jim’s unfailing devotion to the Gideons International for over twenty years demonstrated his true heart for Christian service. Eventually serving as President of the Plano Camp, his life’s ambition was to place a Bible in the hands of every boy and girl. He taught Sunday School for several years and served as a Deacon at Pioneer Baptist Church, Abilene TX and First Baptist Church of Plano, TX. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Allen, TX. An avid hunter and fisherman, Jim delighted in sharing this passion with his sons and grandsons. He cherished time with his family and crafted beautiful handmade mantle clocks for each grandchild to be gifted on their wedding day. For their 50th Wedding Anniversary, he took his beloved Betty on a cruise to the Greek Isles. Jim was well known as Santa to hundreds of children as he shared the love of Christ while eagerly listening to their wishes and dreams. Jim is survived by his wife, Betty, children: Jim Garrison (Lucas), Sam Garrison (Cypress) and Angie Kennedy (McKinney). Grandchildren: Katy, Jim, Brandon, Amanda, Graham, Sydney and Cheyenne. Great grandchildren: Ava and Garrison. We rejoice in the assurance that Jim went to be with Jesus Christ on February 13, 2010 and celebrate the love we shared with him. Services: Tuesday, February 16 at 2:00pm, First Baptist Church of Allen Interment: Plano Mutual Cemetery – 18th Street @ Jupiter, Plano, TX. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gideons International at Gideons.org. For photos and tributes, please visit www.mem.com.