James Millard Garrison, Jr. MD
August 15, 1927 - September 12, 2013
Obituary
James Garrison Jr.MD was born in Lewisburg, WV in 1927. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity graduating with honors from West Virginia State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
He was designated a Distinguished Military Student and Graduate with a Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Regular Army. His first assignment was at Fort Bragg, NC where he completed the mandatory four years commitment before resigning his commission to enroll at Tufts University Medical School. He earned the degree of Doctorate of Medicine (MD) and reentered the U.S. Army as a Medical Officer in the U.S. Army. He continued on Active Duty serving at Ft Lewis, Washington, and Munich, Germany with a final station at Fort Riley, KS. He resigned his Active Duty commission after the death of his beloved wife, Nellie in 1967. He continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve from which he finally retired as a Colonel 06. He was awarded The Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Reserve Forces Medal.
During his time as an Army Reservist he was appointed the first black officer to command the 50th General Hospital of the U.S. Army Reserve at Ft. Lawton in 1977
Dr. James M. Garrison Jr. joined Group Health Cooperative in 1969. He had the distinction of being the first black physician hired by Group Health. Within the next 20 years Dr. Garrison rose to become chief of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Chief of Staff of the Central Region, serving greater Seattle. During his career as an OB/GYN physician, Dr. Garrison estimated that he delivered more than 6,000 babies.
In 1977 Dr. James M. Garrison Jr. was awarded the position of Clinical Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Washington, which he held until his death.
In 1982 Dr. Garrison was inducted into the West Virginia State University ROTC Hall of Fame, The ROTC Hall of Fame honors graduates of the college ROTC program that have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits.
Dr. Garrison was a long time member of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association which represents and honors the Buffalo Soldiers who originated in Fort Riley, KS.
He was appointed in 1988 by Gov. Mike Lowery to the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission serving as Chairman. He served on the Federation of State Medical Boards and the governing council of Pacific Medical Center.
Dr. Garrison is survived by his daughters, Diane and her husband Russell Faria and Alicia Rinehart; his sons, Michael Garrison and David Garrison and his wife Janet Berwick; his step-daughter Jai Black; brother, Melvyn and his wife Madeleine Garrison and niece, Sylvia Davis; grandchildren, James M Garrison IV, Joseph Garrison, Jesse Garrison, William Faria and Rachel Faria. Dr. Garrison was preceded in death by his wife Nellie, his son James M Garrison, III and his sister, Sylvia Garrison.
I was acquainted with Dr. Garrison when I worked at the Columbia Tower Club, many years ago.
I remember a warm, and caring gentleman. So sorry to learn of his passing. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Dr. Garrison was my OBGYN at Group health from 1974 to 1980. Our three children were born there. I remember Dr. Garrison as a fine person and caring doctor. My prayers are with his family.
I had the pleasure and honor of working with and knowing Dr Garrison for many years. We laughed every day and he gave me advice and encouragement. He was a wonderful person and leaves a legacy of honor and integrity.
Jim was a wonderful doctor, a fine administrator, a reliable colleague and friend. In his various roles at Group Health, he was trusted by all, and therefore sought out for advice and help.
On occasion, he was also very, very funny. He loved to tell the story of sending his son off to college in his own car, with his own TV and stero system, several full suitcases, etc. He then recalled being put on a train in W VA by his aunt to go to college himself. He took his uncle’s Glanstone and a shoe box full of fried chicken.
He was a good friend.
It was my honor to have served and worked with this fine gentleman. He was always focused while having a wild sense of humor.
Group Health was a better place with him in attendance of the patients.
we will never forget the summer “Surgery Olympics” at the lake and the really hot chili cookoff. His chili mirrored his wonderful personality. So glad I knew him. Peace and good memories to all of us who morn his passing.
Rest Well, General. .
I was so very saddened to hear of Dr. Garrison’s passing. He was a very dear family friend whom I’d had the pleasure of knowing since I was a very little girl. He and my father were the best of friends and brothers up until the end. I remember, with great fondness, spending time with him and his family of wonderful children. He was a magnificent physician, the gentlest of souls and will be greatly, greatly missed by all of us.
God speed, Dr. G. May light perpetual shine upon you.
I was sad to hear of the passing of Jim Garrison. He was an extraordinary man of great integrity, intelligence, compassion for his patients and colleagues, and friend to all. His legacy of care, good humor and leadership at Group Health and in our community will endure.
Jim was an excellent doctor , but an even finer person and friend, He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, jim
Your father and grandfather was one of my best teachers while I was a resident at Group Health and later a Family Physician there for 42 years. I greatly looked forward to the nights and weekends I was on call with Dr G.. We ate a lot of good food, shared a lot of laughter, and in between it all I learned a lot about medicine and how to respect, care for, and enjoy my patients – something I greatly benefited from for the next 42 years. I owe a great deal of thanks to him and will never forget him.
Jim Garrison, MD was caring, competent and conscientious as physician for Group Health patients and as colleague for the medical staff. He was unique in his capacity to put people at ease and to provide a zone of confidence in his communication. He was a worthy model for physicians who followed him in medical service.
AS a colleague on the Group Health staff Jim distinguished himself in every sphere — leadership of the staff, friendship, respected specialist who often cared for our family members. Whenever called to the delivery room in the middle of the night for an emergency — and Dr. Jim was in charge — I knew the mother and baby were receiving the best possible care at the hands of a masterful obstetrician. Thanks, Jim!
Dr. Garrrison was my OB for my two children, 1974 and 1979. Given the times, I chose him because I thought he would be twice as good as everyone else, and I was certainly right about that. My first child needed the vacuum extractor, something quite new, and Dr. G. was the only person at GHC who knew how to use it. Very glad he was my doctor!
I loved his sense of humor. When child #2 was born at 9 lb 13 oz, he thought he should have left an extra inch of cord so he would tie (or maybe surpass) the birth weight of his older brother at 9 lb 14 oz. And, of course, I always fell for his joke of seeing through one ear and out the other.
He was a force of nature at GHC for me, and countless other patients, staff, and other physicians. I was privileged to know him.
My brother, friend, colleague and former college mate has departed. Called to his final rest to join his beloved wife Nell and son James III in the life beyond our earthly existence. I remember meeting “the smartest student” at West Virginia State College as a freshman in 1949, his friends said he walked on water because of his gentle demeanor and the way he treated his fellow students whether they were seniors or lowly freshmen. Jim and I maintained a close relationship as extended family members from that moment on. His sister Sylvia and brother Melvin were both students during my days at State and were equally my extended family. I will sincerely miss his presence at “Colonel Jimmy’s” annual “Chicken And Catfish Fry”.
Sail on my brother and know that I love endlessly. Rest in Eternal Peace.
I had the pleasure and honor to work with Dr. Garrison when he served as Chief of Staff. He was an insightful administrator and brought smiles and laughter with him every day.
Big Stork, you will be missed.
I am saddened by the news of Dr. Garrison’s death. I worked with him a Group Health and knew him to be competent, warm, kind, intelligent and funny. He treated patients and colleagues with respect and made deep connections with others. I appreciated his compassion and integrity.
I met Dr. Garrison in 1991 the first week I joined the staff of the WA State Medical Board of Examiners. He was the first board member I talked with about my goals and plans for a future in medical regulation. He was the consummate gentleman and wished me well on the job. Throughout the time he served on the MBE and the Medical Commission, staff was privileged to learn from him. We admired his thoughtful approach to physician licensing and discipline. It was an honor to know him. My sincerest condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to Jim ‘s family. He was a good colleague and supporter of my work in the healthcare field. I learned a lot from him over the years.
Jim was a top notch quality human being, with an amazing composite. Brilliant, kind, gentle, high intergerity and more. I always wondered, how one package could contain so much goodness, truly rare. I and my youngest son Jordan, was blessed, to have him in our lives for many years. He leaves many fond memories, for us to forever cherish, one of which, was our fabulous trip to Tahiti in the 90’s
Family, May God comfort you in your time of grief. You are all blessed to have had a dad, who leaves such a rich legacy.
My prayers are with you.
To the Garrison Family,
May you find comfort knowing that friends far and near are keeping you in prayer. We are the niece and nephew of your father’s dear friend James Manning. We know that our Uncle Jimmy was saddened by the loss of your dear father. We just want to let you know that God will comfort and protect you through all hurt, harm, and danger. We will continue to keep you in our daily prayer .
Love,
Ralph and Debra Synor
I am saddened to hear of Dr Garrison’s passing. I had the honor to have him as the OB for my third child. I was very anxious because I was in a pre -doctoral progam in Community Mental Health at the University of WA and I was very old! 36 was considered “up there’ for a mother to be then. Anyway, Dr G’s compassion, sense of humor and professionalism got Jason and me through. The timing was great and everything went quite well due to Dr G.
I will never forget his warmth, and calm reassurance. The world has lost a super human being and a wonderful physician.To his family, allow me to extend my condolences..
Jai, his stepdaughter, was a close friend and Bush classmate to my late daughter, Leslye and I would like to convey to her my personal sympathies. I have lost touch with her but would love to hear from her. My email is jkhollimanpage@msn.com.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
JoKatherine
Dr Garrison was one of my doctors when I was a member of Group Health many years ago. To the family, I am sadden at your loss.
I was telling my daughter, Elide Carter about the Doctor who delivered her and her brother Justin Lee.
His name is Dr, James Garrison. I told her how lucky I was to have him deliver both my children. I told her what a great man he is. Today I searched for him on the web knowing he was quite older than me.
God Bless you Dr. James Garrison. I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life in fond memories of you.
I worked at Group Health when Dr. Garrison joined the staff. Many people may not realize this, but Dr. Garrison was one of the most popular physicians among the staff patients. At one point he gave me a cup of sterilized IUDs and asked me to build a mobile for his office to use as a teaching aid. I made it and when finished he walked through the 2nd floor of the clinic holding it up much to the delight of the staff. He had such a wonderful irreverent sense of humor. I adored Dr. G. and have always regarded him as one of God’s footsteps!
jimmy and I met years ago with him a resident and I on staff. As family we lived next door to each other. A very pleasant time till Nell died. The world then separated us with his jointing civilian life and my continuation of military life. However we still stayed touch thru his late night calls, meetings and such. My wife and I treasured our phone calls and gatherings at medical meetings. It is with great sadness that I learned of his passing. Life and Medicine is lesser with his absence. William McIlroy MD, Retd. USA