THOMAS JAMES GARRISON

1939 - 2015

R.Ph. Thomas James Garrison, a lifetime resident of Kansas City, Mo., was born Aug. 4, 1939, to Thomas Alexander Garrison and Gertrude (Sears) Garrison and passed away July 19, 2015, after a brief but valiant battle with pneumonia. Tom's life was devoted to his family and his chosen profession of pharmacy. Always an avid reader with a particular interest in the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln he has amassed an extensive collection of books on those topics. Since retirement in 2006 he has enjoyed reading even more, averaging at least six books a month and pursuing his three favorite pastimes; enjoying his four grandchildren, making frequent visits to our family farm near Gower, Mo., and traveling. Beginning at the age of 13, Tom worked at Pierce Drug Store in the Northeast area of Kansas City from 1952-1962, beginning as a delivery boy, stock boy and working behind the soda fountain. He continued working there through high school and college saving money for his dream of going to college. After graduation from Northeast High School in 1957, Tom was able to pursue that dream by pursuing a profession in hospital pharmacy, graduating with distinction with a B.S in Pharmacy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1962. Upon graduation he worked at both Research Hospital and Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City. From 1964-1975 he was Director of Pharmacy at Lakeside Hospital. In 1975 became Director/Corporate Director of Pharmacy at the University of Health Sciences Hospital serving there until 1990. From 1990 until his retirement in 2006 he was Director of Pharmacy at Western Missouri Mental Health Hospital. In addition to his work in hospital pharmacy he enjoyed a very active career in pharmacy professional organizations which included the following: President of the Kansas City Society of Hospital Pharmacists 1969-1970; President of the Missouri Society of Health System Pharmacists 1974-1976; member of the Missouri State Board of Pharmacy 1981- 1987 and President 1985; member of National Association of Boards of Pharmacy 1982-1987; member of Board of Trustees of American Pharmaceutical Association 1987- 1989 and President of the American Society of Hospital (Health System) Pharmacists 1983-1984. Throughout his 40 years of pharmacy practice, he participated in numerous seminars and institutes speaking to various groups nationally and internationally as he developed one of the first unit dose and intravenous admixture programs in the Midwest. He also initiated the first ASHP (American Society Hospital Pharmacists) accredited residency programs in Missouri. When working at Western Missouri Mental Health Hospital he developed a Focused Practicum for pharmacists wanting experience in the area of psychopharmacy. Tom was actively involved as a member of the Board of Old Pike Country Club and served a term as President. He also served on Northland Conference Swim Board and was treasurer for a number of years. He was a founding member of North Woods Church in which our entire family was involved for many happy years. More recently we have enjoyed the fellowship of North Cross Methodist Church as members of the Inquirers class and Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where our son and his family attend. Since retiring, Tom and I feel blessed to have been able to enjoy cruises to Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Baltics, Italy and Croatia, France and the beaches of Normandy plus a number of trips with our kids to Disneyland, Disney World and two great cruises on the Disney Dream. Tom is survived by his wife, Dr. Ronilue Beery Garrison with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on Aug. 21, his son, Dr. Matthew Thomas Garrison and wife Kay, four beloved and beautiful grandchildren, Paige Marie (16), Blair Elizabeth (13), Tate Matthew (9) and Blake Catherine (4). Tom was one of nine children all of whom have lived in Kansas City all of their lives with the exception of one brother. Their devotion to each other is absolutely remarkable and something I, as his wife and an only child myself, have witnessed and will continue to treasure. They are Shirley LaBruzzo, Barbara Hixson, Marilyn Hammes (Al), Glenn Garrison (Lynn), Ron Garrison (Kathy), Michael Garrison and Dan Garrison. In addition he had 16 nieces and nephews and a number of great nieces and nephews all of whom have made Thanksgivings and Christmases memorable and fun. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Garrison and our beloved son, Chad Ronald Garrison in 2001. If they have greeters at the gates of Heaven everyone who knew Chad knows he'll be first in line (if God will let him) with that huge smile on his face, his arms open wide and Tom will be loved, welcomed and so happy and healthy again. Visitation 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with service at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at North Cross Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64118. Private family burial following service at Allen Cemetery, Gower. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to John Priest Greene Society, Student Scholarships, William Jewell College, 500 College Hill, Liberty, MO 64068. Arr.: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.