J.C. Garrison was born on April 2, 1926, in Versailles and he died on January 15, 2018. His parents were Jesse Iven Garrison and Ruby (Morris) Garrison. He was the first of three brothers, Alfred Lee and Robert Edward Garrison.
J.C. grew up in Versailles in the West Lawn neighborhood. In high school he excelled in basketball and baseball. Throughout his life, he worked as a paper boy, at Skelly service station, at a grocery store, an optical plant, drove a milk truck and owned Jay’s Tobacco Store.
He enlisted into the Army-Air Force on May 19, 1944 and served with the 398th Bomb Squad/504th Bomb Group in the Pacific Theater in WWII, specifically in the Tinian Islands until March 30, 1946. Cpl. Garrison served in the Reserves until January 31, 1953. Decorations and citations were American Theater Ribbon; APT ribbon; Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. J.C. returned and entered College at CMSU in Warrensburg. He completed two years.
J.C. married Willie Nell (Campbell) on April 16, 1949. They had one daughter, Teresa Gale (Garrison) Capps. Nell died on February 2, 1978.
J.C. married Mary (Slagle) on February 23, 1980. Mary survives in their home.
He ended his work career with twenty-three years at the Versailles Post Office from May 4, 1968 to December 3, 1991, where he logged over 70,000 walking miles as the City of Versailles mail carrier. He carried dog biscuits, a smile, and his sense of humor along his route. He had pet names for the “Banking Beauties”; the “Library Lovelies” and he called the City Hall employees the “City Slickers.” J.C. wore his golf spikes when sidewalks got slick with ice.
Jay and Mary were avid golfers at Rolling Hills Country Club, where Jay was a charter member. He was instrumental in the purchase of the land and the creation of Rolling Hills Country Club.
J.C. was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, the American Legion, the Morgan County Historical Society, the Versailles Lion’s Club and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Before Alzheimer’s took his memories and his ability to read, he was a prolific reader. He loved the classics and has an extensive library of the classics. He also loved history and “ancient alien theory” books. He also loved gardening, and his 100 proof “Old Fitzgerald.”
J.C. is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Tommy Capps, grandchildren and their spouses; Vanissa Dunklee, Dustin and Dina Dunklee, and Desirae and Bill Lipp, Andrew Capps, Amy Weis and Anna Henry, twenty-six great-grandchildren and twelve great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Alfred Lee (Myrt) Garrison and Robert Edward Garrison and wife Betty.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 17th, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Versailles with Pastor Rudy Beard officiating. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.
