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James Garrison Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Garrison
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KEITH HALL
March 31, 2025
Great coach and person. Keith Hall
Michael Green
March 31, 2024
Thanks Coach Garrison, for giving me a chance.
Julius Smith
March 31, 2024
Thank You
James and Phyllis Dewar
March 31, 2021
We were colleagues of “Coach Garrison” at Chowan College/University for many years. Even with that relationship, it was not until a grandson, Jamie Lane and girlfriend, Jenny, signed up and excelled in our classes that we were enamored. Marriage of those two was not surprising. Then we had the privilege of seeing the twosome again when Sadie was expected; the tears and the hug were both extraordinary!
Mark Driscoll
July 7, 2020
Didnt know Coach Garrison a long time but crossed paths thru the game of football... Demanding, funny dry humor, sarcastic as hell,...man did he love the game... And I shared that love- Sorry I heard this 5years late but great coach/ person God keep you.
Henry Woods
June 10, 2020
Coach Garrison, Taught me a valuable lesson about being patient, that have continue to apply to this day. Coach was the type of leader that used encouragement and motivation, to ensure you gave your best at all times. Thank you, Sir for being the lasting example for me through life.
Ben Brumbaugh
January 22, 2020
Of the many professional awards in my career since graduating as a Chowan Brave in 2001, this one is by far my proudest... It is the award to which all future awards were measured.... and, the one that inspired more good things to come. I think about Coach Garrison often, what he taught us on the field, off the field, and how we should be as MEN....and today watching Chowan write ups about the current football players success, I found myself reminiscing once again.
Jawarren Cowles Sr
September 9, 2019
Will Always be one of the best Coaches i have ever played for and was coached by, I Loved Coach Garrison and ALWAYS listened to what he said even if he said it over and over as if it was the first time. He was very passionate about the game and preparing for it as he felt it should translate to life after football. I Love and Miss you and Pray one Day to give my all back to the community as you did before i depart this earth.
shelby vaughan
May 6, 2019
Thanks for asking me to play football for Chowan, what an honor. I'm sorry I couldn't play but baseball and my studies and odd jobs prevented me from participation. Thanks for the friend ship. I will always remember you and Coach Jerry Hawkins and My favorite university. Chowan. I was lost before I attended. Chowan College, which allowed me to attend and graduate from The University of North Carolina. Thanks again you will be missed.
Bob Prince
March 31, 2019
Still miss the "Coach" and think about him often and his influence on my life.
Jennie Bisese
January 29, 2019
Coach Garrison was the basketball coach and the weight lifting teacher, he showed me ins and outs of the field, court and life. He will be missed. Stay safe and rest well, Sir.
Robert Scarboro Jr
October 29, 2018
Thank you so much Coach Garrison for giving me a chance to play and be one of your managers on your football team. U always hags something positive to say. My late Father Robert Scarboro Sr. Told me that I would be in good has as long as u was around. Rest in Peace Coach. October 13, 2018. / Selma NC. / Robert Scarboro Jr. / player 1978.
Mark DeLano
September 8, 2018
Coach Garrison I want to thank you for keeping me around for two years while I attended Chowan from 1978-80.
Joey Edwards
August 29, 2018
I have never forgot Coach Garrison or any of his staff from 79-81... One of the smartest men I've ever meet...I played one year of HS ball and walked on a immature lost kid, he and his staff took me in and shared and gave me life lessons I still use today and have shared with many people...I called him once about 8 years after Chowan and before I could tell him my Name he laughed and said "Joey Edwards how are you son", I was in tears because I was just a average player that never reached my true potential but this man remembered me, that was Coach G , we all mattered.
Bruce Terrell
May 29, 2018
Coach was hard nose, straight forward and honest. He gave me the biggest compliment of motivation in my life. He not only was a tremendous coach but a great father. Coach Garrison will always be planted in our minds forever. What he gave nobody can never take away. Only those who played for him can understand that. It took a long time after Chowan for me to finally grow up, I cannot imagine just who long it would've taken me without the memory of Coach yelling and screaming at me. He remind me just how good I could be if I could only focus on the right things. I didn't expect that, but that's the character of a great football coach never die. I love you coach.
Troy Robinson
May 3, 2018
What a great Human Being. I will never forget when I went Back to Chowan for a camp 10 years after graduating I locked my keys in my truck over at the Helms center before leaving for dinner. I had to call a locksmith. Coach Garrison stayed with me, missing dinner. This was the kind of guy he was. I was one of "his players", even though i only played a year for him. He retired my Soph year.
Julius Smith
January 20, 2018
Thank you for showing your 1972/73 Braves how to be an outstanding team. Brave/Hawks forever!
Julius Smith, Cincinnati/Charlotte
Ryan Poe
April 12, 2016
my first job was working for Jim, 26 years later I still remember the lessons he taught me as young coach
Sam Blizzard
February 10, 2016
Thank you for your time and leadership on and off the football field.You will be missed
Michael Green
January 20, 2016
To a great man that will truly be miss. He gave me a chance to come to Chowan college even when he never seen me play a game. Just by the word of mouth. Thank's for sharing him with us.
Lenny Ortiz
October 28, 2015
Coach,
It was an honor knowing you and playing for you. Thank you for the opportunity.
Lorick Atkinson
October 20, 2015
Coach,
You were a mentor as well as a friend.
Thanks for everything!!
Coach Atkinson
ronald brooks
September 30, 2015
COACH GARRISON WAS A ONE OF KIND.I THANK GOD FOR MY CHANCE TO PLAY FOR HIM AND HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.MUCH LOVE TO THE GARRISON FAMILY THANKS FOR SHARING HIM WITH ME
Michael Burgess
September 5, 2015
What a great man. We use to play games while I was waiting for class or for the football coach.
Keith Hall
July 4, 2015
Coach Garrison never forgot any his players. He gave me an opportunity to continue my college career. Thanks Coach.
Kevin Cox
June 24, 2015
R.I.P Coach Garrison,
My brother Richard Cox (77-79) and myself, Kevin Cox (84-85) played for Coach. I was fortunate enough to coach under his direction in (90). I can remember the first day at the team meeting " It's My Way, or the Trailways" The old bus station was just around the corner. Coach, you were the mentor, the dad, the brother, the father a lot of kids needed. You've done Great. Thank You for your Love & Dedication to Chowan, Your Family & your special love to the game of Football. Love You Coach... RIP
Martin Williams
June 4, 2015
One awsome man. I will always cheris the years that Coach Garrison made special for me. I Will Always Honor and Love the REAL BALL COACH. RIP
Mike Grant '79-'80
May 12, 2015
Where should I start, this great man/ great coach took a chance on me in 1979 when no other colleges would. They all said that I was to small, but the old ball coach new my heart and the passion that I had for the game of football. He not only gave me an opportunity but my fellow high school teammates as well; Hal Henderson, Keith McFadden, Elliot Washington, Vince Sumter, Gaffney Jackson and Greg McDaniel. He not only molded us to become JUCO All Americans but productive American citizens as well. Jim Garrison was to me the father that I never knew he not only coached us he loved each and everyone of his football players. I was inducted into the Chowan College Hall of Fame in 1999 and coach spoke about my character and if he and I were in the military and pinned down in a foxhole deep behind enemy lines with limited amounts of ammunition and bullets flying everywhere that somehow we would make it out alive. This statement got a standing ovation and lots of cheers, but I never got a chance to comment until now. "Diamond Jim" just let me say this, don't worry about us they better worry about the enemy! To the entire Garrison Family thank you! thank you! and thank you! again for lending your husband and father to us Chowan Football is in an awesome place now because of him. We loved coach Garrison and we love you as well. GOD Bless!!
jere "blue hen" wyres
May 7, 2015
To the Garrison family I will always remember him.I loved my days at Chowan with him and me as the Blue Hen working with football teams.He was a great man.
Ronnie Harris
May 2, 2015
Sorry to here of the Loss of Jim Garrison,prayers for the Garrison family during this time.
May 1, 2015
Coach Garrison was a special man.He always had your best interest at heart.
Tough , you better believe it, but everything he did pushed you toward a goal of being a better person, student, and athlete.I guess I speak for many, when I say if it wasn't for Coach, I am not sure what would have happened to my education and athletic career. Last summer I drove to campus to see Coach. He was frail but insisted on driving me to Hardee's to visit.Two hours later, we finished our time together. I am so thankful for the time we spent together that day.When I think of Coach, I think of a man of Character.
Thanks Coach.
John Bowles '69,'70.
Jonesborough,Tn
April 21, 2015
Thank you for allowing me to continue my dream of playing college football. Not just a coach but a great family man. Thank you for your guides. May God bless you and the whole Garrison family.
~Edward Powell 87, Upper Marlboro Md.
David Fulton
April 17, 2015
Rest In Peace Coach Garrison!! You'll forever be missed #GoHawks
Jim and Phyllis Dewar
April 16, 2015
We did not have the opportunity of playing football for Coach Garrison, but we did spend quite a bit of time in Camp Hall, next door to Garrison Stadium. Further, we did have the exciting privilege of teaching Jamie and Jenny; they both called him "Granddaddy".
One day in class, a student asked me how long I had been at Chowan. My response was that I came in 1848, just after the founding--but Jamie's grandfather came earlier to help build Columns.
Jamie, you were at least the second math major in your family. Congrats!
Jim D. says that Jennie wrote one of the best papers he saw, "Evolution of the y chromosome".
Antwain Haskins
April 16, 2015
My prayers and condolences to all members of the Garrison family. I remember Coach as a passionate man who strongly belived in helping you succeed. Coach had a unique way of motivating you through his inspiring conversations about football and life. The myth, the legend, the Coach, will be missed...
Antwain Haskins Class of 2001
Ron Hiserman
April 13, 2015
I attended the 60' Reunion just this past week-end and when I entered the campus the first thing I noticed was the flags at half staff. I knew a great man had passed. Later I discovered it was THE COACH had died. I graduated in 1964 at Chowan and was not on any sports team, but my admiration of Coach Garrison was that of much respect for his dedication to Chowan (the BRAVES). My sympathy to all his family and to all his many friends. God Bless and Keep You.
Betty Edwards
April 13, 2015
I only know Coach Garrison through his legacy, and by getting to know his daughter, Lisa Garrison Lane, who is employed at Vidant Wellness Center in Ahoskie. To Lisa and the family, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. My hope is that the wonderful memories built over a lifetime of your love one, will help to ease the grief that you now feel. Sincerely, Betty S Edwards
Jack and Myrna Goldberg
April 12, 2015
We feel honored to have known and loved Coach Garrison. He meant the world to our entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.
Carolyn Rouse
April 10, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the Garrison family on thier loss. May you find great strength in the love and support from family and friends. Precious memories you have and cherish will help cushion you through some of the difficult times. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Meredith Long
April 9, 2015
The Long Family feels blessed to have known Coach Garrison...what a life lived. It will come full circle on Sunday, April 12th at Garrison Stadium. Prayers to the entire Garrison family, and all the lives he touched.
William Lynch
April 8, 2015
Thank you for having me on your team. It was an honor to play for a Hall Of Fame coach who always guided me in the right direction. My condolences to the Garrison family.
Jerry Doby
April 8, 2015
My condolences to the Garrison Family. Coach Garrison played a significant role in my playing days at Gardner-Webb 1954-1956. He was a super guy, all the way back to his time at Mills Home in Thomasville, NC.
Jerry J. Doby 79, Thomasville, NC
Bob Prince 64
April 8, 2015
My deepest condolences to Joyce and her family. Coach Garrison had a profound influence on my life and for this I will always be most grateful.
Jamie Fraser
April 7, 2015
I do not know where I would be today, If Coach Garrison was not a part of my life. He was a great coach and more importantly a great man. God bless you Coach Garrison RIP. My condolences to Coach Garrison's family. Jamie Fraser OG 1978 - 1979
Mike Bass
April 7, 2015
Only one coach better than Coach Garrison, was my very own Dad. I played on the football team for Coach Garrison during the mid 70's. Will see you soon, where the lights are always on the field running those suicide drills!
Tandy Dunn
April 7, 2015
My condolences and prayers to the Garrison family. While I did not play for Coach I was involved in the Athletic Department which meant he still knew who I was. When over 30 years later I saw him at a ECU basketball game he remembered me and one of my co-workers, another former Chowan student. When asked why Coach was talking to two ECU Police Officers like old friends I told them he was our coach first. Always Mr. Chowan and always Coach. God Bless.
Tandy Dunn Class of 1979
John Casazza
April 7, 2015
Coach Garrison will always be in my heart and thoughts as the Coach who gave me the opportunity to continue my athletic endeavors and help add stability to my life. I played quarterback for Coach in 1968 and 69 and went on to play at ECU in 1970 and 71. He is solely responsible for any success I had as an athlete and and I owe my education and career to such a wonderful man. He will be missed by all who knew him. God bless his family and my condolences and prayers are with you.
Harry Vann
April 7, 2015
My condolences and prayers to all the Garrison family members, Lisa, and others. I had the privilege to play under Coach Garrison as a baseball all-star growing up in Murfreesboro and football at Chowan. I enjoyed very much the opportunity Coach gave me to play at Chowan in 1971 and make many friends on the team. He was unique and a great motivator.
Harry Vann, Center, 1971 Braves
Ed Barnes
April 7, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers for the Garrison Family! May God comfort you in the days and years to come!
Frank Stephenson
April 7, 2015
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Garrison, a longtime colleague at Chowan. I was fortunate to have known him for over 55 years. While he is best remembered as a great coach, the thing that I remember was his integrity, character and loyalty to Chowan. I recall with great fondness his fierce rivalry with Hank Norton the longtime coach at Ferrum and rivalries with Lees-MacRae, Wesley, Nassau and Baltimore CC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
WOODIE SAFRIT
April 7, 2015
JIM GARRISON WILL ALWAYS BE TO ME ."BIG COACH" THE GREATEST MAN I HAVE EVER KNOW. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY.WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU.REST IN PEACE.
Brenda Baisey
April 7, 2015
To the entire Garrison family. Coach was very special to us all and he will truly be missed. Each and every one of you hold special places in my heart. Stay strong and remember the memories. GOD bless you all.
EARL FUTRELL
April 7, 2015
COACH GARRISON WAS A SPECIAL TO EVEYONE I KNEW VERY WELL HE WILL BE MISS BY EVERYONE EVERY WHERE WE ARE SENDING PRAYERS ON THE WAY
EARL LINDA APRIL LEE FUTRELL
Danny Blowe
April 6, 2015
Coach Garrison was a Chowan legacy.To the family my prayers are with you
Danny Lockemy
April 6, 2015
My condolences and prayers to the Garrison Family. I didn't play football for Coach Garrison, but I remember him well when I was a student at Chowan in the early 70s. I was always in the stands rooting for the Braves(Hawks now).
Alan Anderson
April 6, 2015
Even though I did not play for Coach Garrison, I enjoyed having lunch with him several times over the course of my time as a student at Chowan. He was an absolute joy to talk with. He will be missed.
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