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James Garrison Obituary

GARRISON SR. James W. Garrison Sr. age 88 of Kansas City, MO, passed away July 22, 2009. He was born June 1921 at his grandparent's home in Linn Creek, MO, the son of James and Isabelle Hall Garrison. In 1940 he graduated from the Business College of Kansas City. He then worked as a clerk and was promoted to Sales Representative for the Katy Railroad. In 1941 he joined the Army Airforce and served as a Radio Operator flying the Himalayan Mountains into China. After the war he returned to work for the Katy Railroad. In 1963 he went to work for Consolidated Freightways. In May of 1947 he married Stella Don Wilson who resides at their home. He loved reading, boating, family reunions, and square dancing. He was a member of Glenwood Park Methodist Church, served as Post Commander of American Legion Post 21, Masonic Lodge 614 Scottish Rite, Ararat Shrine, and the Forty & Eight. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Joan Coleman. He is survived by his wife "Stella" of 62 years, one son, James W. Garrison Jr. and wife, Berlinda, three daughters, Angela Litchfield and husband, Randy, Rebecca Funk and husband, Ted, Donna Baker and husband, Chris, five granddaughters, one grandson, five great grandchildren, one sister, Isabelle Penny, as well as many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the D.W. Newcomer's Sons Noland Road Chapel 509 S. Noland Rd. Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Contributions are suggested for Glenwood Park Church 10000 E. 23rd St. Independence, MO 64052, "The Wings of Mercy", Ararat Shrine, or Continua Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Jeanne Floyd Allen

July 25, 2009

Dear Stella, Becky, Donna, Angela, Jim- I have so many wonderful memories of our family trips to Kansas City from my childhood. You guys were some of my favorite people in my growing up years. So sorry the years and the geography have separated us! Wrex was a wonderful man, and I know his passing is a huge hole in your hearts. The memories will be with your forever.

July 24, 2009

Steve & I were privileged to meet Wrex & Stella 16 years ago when we first attended Glenwood Park church. It was immediately obvious to us how devoted Wrex and Stella were to each other and how proud they were of their family. I enjoyed my conversations with Wrex. He was always gracious and friendly no matter what health challenges he was dealing with. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a true gentleman and will be missed by many people who loved him. Stella, we love you and continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Steve & Judy Wolfe

July 24, 2009

Donna -- I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Haney, Independence, Missouri

Sherry Hall

July 24, 2009

So sorry to hear about Wrex. I know that its hard to believe that he is gone. As you know my Dad ( Harold) died a few months ago too. I was just talking about you all square dancing just the other day. I was trying to remember when I saw you last. I wish we could have visited more often. I will keep you in my prayers. From Cousin Sherry Hall

james hall

July 24, 2009

Stella and family,
I am so sorry to hear about cousin Wrex. He was a dear person and will be truly missed. Charlie Floyd has been telling me about his heroism during WWII. We can all be proud of what he did for this country! I am aware that he has been ill for quite some time and I know firsthand how heartbreaking that can be. I will truly miss him as I do Joan. I love you all and will be praying for you. My love always, James Hall

July 23, 2009

Donna, Chris and Ian,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad passing away Donna. You will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Tom, Sonya and Austin Holtzclaw

Bill and Barbara Stagg

July 23, 2009

We are saddened by the news of Wrex's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Stella and your Family. Barbara and I have many good memories of you and Wrex at Glenwood Park Church. May God put his loving hand you and your Family.

Gaynel Loveland & Family

July 23, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

bruce coleman

July 23, 2009

My dearest uncle Wrex, i always loved visiting him when i was litte, and when i grew up i still liked visiting him and aunt Stella. i will miss him dearly.

July 23, 2009

Aunt Stella and family,
We were saddened by the news of Uncle Wrex's passing.
We have so many wonderful memories of him.
His nephews and nieces,
Bruce, Dan, Nora, and Marsha

July 23, 2009

I served with Jim at various Traffic & Transportation Club committees. Always a gentleman. Being in the transportation industry I ran into Jim, may times and remember his smile and handshake.

David Francis
SSW, Freight Rate Service Company

July 23, 2009

Donna and family,
We were so sad to hear of your father's passing. I remember him driving us to school every morning, never complaining. I hope you know that your grief is shared with all that knew your dad. He was a wonderful man, father, husband, friend and will be sorely missed.
Thinking of you and your family,
Pam Weaver, Kenny & Judy Gray

July 23, 2009

My deepest sympathy goes out to Stella and family. I am a classmate of Donna, and her Dad was great! I remember him taking us to the lakehouse one weekend with Stella, Donna, Debbie Perdue and I believe it was Cheryl Enyeart. We had a great time!
Christine Clark Hanes (Lee's Summit, MO)

Jeannette Ashby-Welter

July 23, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad and I am thinking of you, Becky. I will keep your Mom, sisters, brother and whole family in my prayers at this difficult time.

With love and blessings,
Jeannette

Jacqueline Foster

July 23, 2009

I work with Donna Baker, and am so sad to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Laurie and Velton Viles

July 23, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to Stella and family. We loved square dancing and will forever cherish the great fun we shared with Stella and Jim. Jim was always warm and welcoming. We will especially miss Jim's big hugs and smiling face.

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