Harry James "Jim" Garrison's Obituary
Jim departed this life peacefully after a long illness-on December 29, 2022 in Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. He loved life, especially his family and friends, many of whom regarded him as a brother. Jim is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Rozier Garrison and father Walter Stanley Garrison. He is survived by his brother Walter Stephen Garrison, his niece Stephanie Garrison Cole and her husband Bryant Cole, and their triplets Chloe, Finn and Auden and cousins Diana Brantley, Cindi Suffern, Lucy Rozier, and Donna Patterson.
Jim was raised in Raleigh, North Carolina andattended both Needham Broughton and William G. Enloe High Schools, graduating from Broughton in 1969. He received a B.S. degree in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 1973. During his years at N.C. State Jim was an active member of Theta Chi fraternity.He was subsequently employed by Stouffers Foods in Pennsylvania, the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, S&D Coffee, and Classic Coffee Concepts--all in a supervisory capacity. In Classic Coffee Concepts, he worked as the Chief Operating Officer.
Jim was a polymath, that is someone who had expert knowledge in diverse fields and disciplines such as ornithology, herpetology, astronomy, mechanics, construction,horticulture, especially the cultivation of native NC plants and photography. He was a passionate and professional level fisherman. He was also a classically trained gourmet chef and delighted his guests with his culinary skills. He had in depth knowledge of history, politics and current events. He also had a deep and enduring love of animals, especially cats.
Jim also loved to travel both domestically and internationally. He had a particular love for New York City, especially Manhattan, having spent much vacation time there. His international travels included Lithuania, Finland, Iceland and Canada.
Jim was a beloved member of New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville, North Carolina and served there in numerous capacities some of which included behind the scenes work at the Moravian Love Feast Christmas Eve service and food delivery ministries to homeless shelters and the elderly in nursing homes in the Charlotte-Davidson-Huntersville area. Jim’s selfless dedication, despite physical infirmities, served as an inspiration for all. At the time of his passing he was also an avid Bethel seminar Biblical studies member going through all the books of the Bible.
A memorial service will be held at New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville on January 4 at 12:00. Visitation will be at 11:00. Burial will follow at Northlake Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings Moravian Church, 201 Seagle St, Huntersville, NC 28078.
Funeral services are provided by James Funeral Home of Huntersville
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