James Alan Garrison

James Alan Garrison, known by his friends and family as Jim, passed away in Auburn, Mich., on Jan. 1.

As a young child, he lived in Garrison City, Earlimart, Tipton and Pixley, until the family moved to Shafter when he was 7 years old. He lived in Shafter until he graduated from high school. After high school, he joined the Coast Guard, where he served for six months. When his Coast Guard service ended, he traveled with friends to the Saginaw, Mich., area where he lived and worked. He lived there until his passing on Jan. 1.

In high school, Jim participated in sports and played saxophone in the Shafter High School band. His love of music was born during this time. He played his saxophone with a local dance band, the Criterions. They played for different functions around the Shafter area.

In Michigan, Jim worked as a forklift operator in a General Motors auto parts factory, but he spent his nights and free time honing his songwriting skills. He also developed friendships with several musicians in the area. Jim would write song lyrics, and his musician friends would provide the melodies and the musicianship to produce his songs.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Tommy and Nell Garrison; his sister, Kathy Stearman; and a cousin, Judy Fladland. He is survived by two brothers, Ted Garrison (Andrea) and Tom Garrison (Deb Looker); a nephew, Neal Stearman; and two nieces, Angela Stearman and Amy Garrison. Other surviving relatives include his cousins Phil Garrison (Margie), Jan Wright (Cecil), and Steve Garrison (Linda).

Jim's life will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home, 844 East Lerdo Hwy.. in Shafter. For further information, call or text 661-378-6627.