James “Jim” Wrexford Garrison, Jr., 75, of Rayville, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his home.
Jim was born on February 2, 1951, in Kansas City, the son of James Wrexford and Stella Don (Wilson) Garrison, Sr. He was united in marriage to Berlinda Joylene Bush of Independence on June 17, 1972; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include: two daughters, Jamie (Cory) Scheer of Liberty and Julie (Keith) Elam of Austin, TX; seven grandchildren: Cailyn Scheer (Fiancé, Briton Howell), Isaac Scheer (Fiancée, Josie Ross), Brianna Elam, Carter Elam, Evan Scheer, Levi Scheer, and Lila Elam; and three sisters: Angela (Randy) Litchfield of Irving, TX, Rebecca Funk of Rockwall, TX, and Donna (Chris) Baker of Gladstone.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Ted Funk.
Jim was raised and educated in the area of his birth and graduated from Van Horn High School. He later attended Penn Valley Community College, earning his Associate of Arts Degree in Criminology. Following college, Jim began his career in law enforcement with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and later the Blue Springs Police Department. At the age of 29, he entered the Highway Patrol Academy and went on to serve more than 20 years as a Missouri State Highway Patrolman with Troop A. His career was marked by dedication, integrity, and a genuine heart for serving others.
After retiring from law enforcement, Jim continued his life of service by obtaining his Funeral Director’s license and joining the staff of Thurman Funeral Home. What began as a professional role quickly became something much deeper. Jim was not only a valued member of the staff – he was family. He worked countless services, offering steady guidance, compassion, and what many families described as “a friendly face during a difficult time.” Jim also served his county as a duly elected coroner for Ray County for one term.
Outside of his professional life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer, turkey, mushroom, and especially coon hunting. He was a larger-than-life legend in the coon hunting community, traveling across the country competing with his coon hounds and earning hundreds of trophies. His passion began as a young man hunting alongside his uncle Warren and remained a lifelong bond between them. A dedicated Plott Hound enthusiast, Jim raised many champion dogs. His beloved Plott Hound, Ranger – a Grand Nite Champion – captured one of the sport’s top honors, and Ranger’s bloodline continues today in many of the top Plott Hounds across the country.
Jim never knew a stranger and was deeply devoted to his family and his faith. He never missed a family reunion, was always the life of the party, was always present for family events, and maintained close relationships with those he loved. He was especially proud of his daughters and their many accomplishments, and nothing brought him greater joy than being a proud dad and granddad. A devoted Christian man and longtime member of Pisgah Baptist Church, Jim faithfully attended and enjoyed his Sunday School class. Through 53 years of marriage, his wife, Berlinda, stood faithfully beside him – through life’s challenges and even a few coon hunting adventures – serving as the steady foundation of his life.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Voice of the Martyrs. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Pisgah Baptist Church in Excelsior Springs, with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M, with services to follow at 3:00 P.M. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Shelby-Hall Cemetery, Linn Creek. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Jim with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
