John Garrison passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 30, 2022 surrounded by loved
ones and prayer at St. Luke’s hospital. He was 70 years old. John was a loving husband, a
caring father, a doting papa, and a dependable friend, and a hardworking businessman
and CPA. Often described as ornery and perpetually late, he was even better known as
kind, generous, gentle, sincere, fun, and – most notably – faithful. John was an avid
runner and a lifelong hiker, who could be found almost any day of the week enjoying a
short or long meet-up over coffee with friends old and new. This consistent engagement
with those he cared about plainly demonstrated his willingness to do anything to better
connect with people. Whether crawling on the ground to play with grandkids or
traveling to faraway offices to discuss financial matters, John met people where they
were and needed to be. John was always frugal and sometimes jokingly regarded as cheap. He was known to talk slowly,
a trait his closest friends and family would recognize as thoughtfulness, with intentful
“pauses for effect.” Regardless, everyone knew him as a great listener.
John is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Evelyn Garrison, and his sister, Jana Young.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Jane, and their three children: daughter,
Marty Brown and her husband, Gates; son, Tim; daughter, Laura Marriott and her
husband, Matthew; along with four grandchildren: Anna & Garrison Brown, Evelyn &
Arthur Marriott; and also brother, Russell and wife, Jennifer; and brother, Glen, and
wife, Arlene. He also leaves many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless
friends.
A 5pm rosary service will be held at Queen of the Holy Rosary 7023 W. 71 St. Overland Park, Kansas 66204 on
Thursday, August 4, 2022 with visitation until 7:30 pm. John built many relationships
running the roads and races of Kansas City. He always felt comfortable in a race shirt
and running gear, if this is how you knew him Jane would like you to feel comfortable
wearing the same gear to the visitation. A funeral mass will be held at the same
location on Friday, August 5th at 10am, followed by the burial and then a luncheon at the church. John
was adamant about sharing good laughs and fun conversation over food and drink, and
all are welcome. The funeral will be live-streamed at http://www.
It can also be accessed at facebook.com/queenoftheholyrosary
John would never expect or want gifts. With that, in lieu of flowers, the family requests a
donation to Girls on the Run Kansas City, the Midwest Transplant Network, or a charity
of your choice. The greatest appreciation is extended to the countless individuals and
groups who have reached out to the family in this challenging time and offered their
prayers and eagerness to support. The family is grateful for the compassionate, adept,
and loving care that the staff at St. Luke’s CICU provided to John and his family. While
they move through their grief, they are thankful to be reminded of the lasting impact
John has left on so many, and feel comforted in knowing he is now looking down on all
of us. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
John was a Super Man! He’s the only person, at my age, that still ran & he passed doing just that! I’ve know Jane since January 1974 and have seen the love that John and Jane spread to family & friends. He will live on in our memories knowing that he loved and lived life to the fullest! Hugs to you All! He will be so missed.
Tremendous person in every way. Top notch CPA, business person, and fun person to be around. He always went the extra mile. My condolences to his family and friends.
John was like a second dad to me! He walked me through so many accounting issues over the years. We would chat on the phone about numbers but it always end up talking about our family’s who he cared about the most! My dad (Gary Vick) was not only a friend but sometimes a business partner. I’m heartbroken over the loss, however I find some comfort in knowing our dads are up there looking out after us since they died the same day around the same time. Prayers for your entire family!
Linda
I never knew John Garrison or met him. I am a fellow-runner in the Hospital Hill run and was updated by email that he passed away. It directed me to his obituary which I read.
I just wanted to pass along my condolences to the family. He sounded like such a wonderful man loved by so many. I pray for peace and comfort in this time of grieving. I know he’ll be sorely missed.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing John, I wish I did! As a participant of hospital hill and an older runner I just want to share my condolences with the family. May you continue running in his memory. My very best to each of you during this time of great loss. It sounds like he did what he loved to the very end. Prayers for you all!
John was one of the nicest people I have ever known. From my point of view, being the mother in law of one of his daughters, John was always ready to help out and with a smile on his face. He will be missed by so many, especially his family. Rest In Peace .
John was my friend. My husband passed away in February, 1995. He told Jane he would do my taxes and he did, not just that year but for three or four years refusing all payment. .After a few Subway gift cards he finally agreed to let me pay him, I think only after I had threatened to get another CPA . So John has been doing my taxes for twenty seven years. But he wasn’t just my “tax man” he was my friend. I often called him for financial concerns and advice. He was there for me and then our conversations always turned to family; Jane was my friend and colleague long before I met John. He would catch me up on the family and I would share about mine. He was proud of his daughters and son but oh, boy, those grandchildren sent him over the moon. He was also a proud husband and always bragged about Jane.
I will miss you John, as my tax accountant but especially as my friend.
Jane you are a strong woman, a woman of faith and with the Lord walking beside you on this sometimes very hard journey you will continue to make John proud .
Love and prayers to you and all your family, Jane
Vera A
I logged many miles on Sundays with John and the Sunday group from Health Plus back in the day. We had great discussions on those runs and considered him a dear friend even though we lost touch the last 10 years.
He used to do our taxes for years and was the utmost professional!
He will be sorely missed by KC and the running community.
I know he is looking down over his family and our hearts and prayers go out to the Family!
RIP John
I hadn’t seen J.C. for probably 35 years, but from our running days when we were both at MHM, he had a wonderful impact on my life. He was always a much better runner than anyone in our group, but he always complimented how well each of the rest of us were doing. I loved following him running (which I always did) since he moved with such grace. I am so sorry for your loss.
I knew John as our company accountant and his son Tim worked for us for a time. John’s best trait for me was his wisdom. He was serious but kind. Always respectful. He made me want to be more like that. Very sad to hear that he passed away suddenly. Very sorry for your loss Tim and family.
Doug