John Wesley Garrison

John Wesley Garrison, 85, of Traverse City, Michigan (formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Munson Medical Center. He was born on May 31, 1940 in Grand Rapids to the late “Gus” and Margaret (Simms) Garrison. John and his wife, Joanne Bowdish, were married in 1966. John was hired by the Central Michigan Paper Company in Grand Rapids as a young man, quickly becoming a sales representative and shareholder. In his 50 years of employment there, he contributed a substantial amount to the success of the company, building its reputation in a manner that still benefits it to this day. His integrity and engaging personality drew people to him, and many of his clients became lifelong personal friends. John raised the mood of those around him with his positive, infectious attitude, his sense of humor, and his quick wit. Following his retirement, John and Joanne partnered with Jeff and Kari Streelman in the ownership of the Farley Paper Company in Boyne City, Michigan. John and Joanne loved traveling throughout Michigan representing the calendar company for 7 years. John and Joanne’s daughter, Jill, and her husband, Troy, brought tremendous joy to the family. They were blessed with a daughter and a son who brought even more joy to the family’s lives. John was so proud of all of them, loved being with them as much as possible, and was happiest when they were all together. Some of his favorite things included playing baseball as a youth and later attending his grandson’s travel and college baseball games. He had a passion for golf and belonged to the Venetian Bay Golf Club in Florida as well as Manistee National, Crystal Springs, and The Crown in Michigan. He liked to hunt and fish at his cottage on Sauble Lake #1 in Irons, Michigan. John enjoyed participating in social and golf activities with his neighbors at The Crown Golf Club. For many years, he enjoyed wintering in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, especially when his family came to visit. John is survived by Joanne (his wife of 59 years), Jill and Troy Ferone, his loving grandchildren (Madeline Ferone and Garrison Ferone), as well as sisters-in-law Judith Pease, Donna Bowdish, Jane Reppenhagen, and their children. He will be missed by other family members, special friends, and neighbors as well. Friends are welcome to visit with John’s family at an Open House Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 31, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI. 49684. Memorial gifts can be made in John’s honor to the Munson Healthcare Foundations (on behalf of Munson Medical Center). Gifts can be made online at www.munsonhealthcare.org and/or mailed to 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with John’s family on his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

John Wesley Garrison

May 31, 1940 - December 30, 2025