James R. Garrison passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct.10, 2016, at 89 years young. James graduated from Englewood N.J. High School in 1944. He entered into the USNR as an Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class from 1945 – 1946 at 17 years old. James then went to Dartmouth U.S. Forest Service in Arizona, and he went back to Dartmouth in 1948. Then he went to Canadian Artic North to help install joint U.S. – Canadian weather station, in Prince Patrick Island in 1950. In 1955 he moved to Skaneateles where he was a member of the Skaneateles Fire Department for 55 years. Because of his love for Central New York, his diverse craftsmanship left his mark on many areas of Skaneateles village, town, lake and surrounding areas. James enjoyed reading, sailing, collecting and hunting in the Adirondacks with his buddies. He was a lifetime summer resident at the south end of Skaneateles Lake, and spent his retirement sailing in the Caribbean and Virgin Islands.
James is predeceased by his second wife, Dr. Carolyn Bogardus Ware PhD., and his parents Lewis F. Garrison and Francis Calcott Garrison. He is survived by his children Pamela McMaster (Stephen), Gary Stephen Garrison, Jonathon B.G. Gutchess, Lewis F. Garrison II, William R. Ware (Debby), his buddy Blackie the Cat, and many lifetime friends and neighbors. Granddaughters Sara and Megan McMaster, Ashley Ware, and Kelly Clark. There will be a memorial service in the spring. The family would like to send many thanks to his caregivers. Contributions in his name can be made to Skaneateles Fire Department.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.