James Milford “Jimmy” Garrison, Jr. 82, devoted husband of Joyce Traynham Garrison, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2026.  Jimmy was known for his love of family and friends.  His life was guided by two principals, “do the right thing” and “strive for excellence”.

A native of Greenville County, he was the son of the late James Milford Garrison, Sr. and Frances Blakely Garrison.  He received a degree from Furman University in 1966 and further education in theology from Wake Forest Theological Seminary and Erskine Theological Seminary.  Jimmy retired from Union Carbide and Amoco at Donaldson Center with 32 years of service in Human Resources.  Jimmy was a lifelong member of Reedy Fork Batist Church where he served as R.C. Eustace class teacher, deacon, and minister of music from 1973-1983, interim music director 1989.  He also served as minister of music and as a deacon at Fork Shoals Baptist Church from 1966-1973.  Jimmy was a member of the Augusta Road Ruritan Club and served as Ruritan National District Governor of the Upper State of S.C. in 1972.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years Joyce Traynham Garrison; a son, Jeffrey Howard Garrison and wife Racheal Stover Garrison; a daughter-in-law, Bethany Neal Garrison; two grandsons, Stover Garrison and wife Bryce Trantham Garrison, and Whitt Garrison; and one great-grandson, Trantham “T” Garrison.  He was predeceased by his son, James Milford “Jason” Garrison III.  Jimmy was the baby brother of three sisters, Mary Ann Chapman, and Tommye Riddle and Margaret Edgar now deceased.  Jimmy was a special uncle to many loving nephews and nieces and their families.

Funeral services will be held 1:30pm Friday at Reedy Fork Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends an hour prior.  Burial will follow in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Reedy Fork Baptist Church, 459 Reedy Fork Road, Greenville, SC 29605.