Hall of Fame
James R. Garrison
Mules Basketball 1926-29
Garrison was a two-sport performer for the Mules, lettering three years in football (1926-28) and four years in basketball (1926-29). In football, he was a member of the Mules' 1926 undefeated MIAA championship team, which was inducted into the CMSU Hall of Fame in 1992. In basketball, he led the team in scoring as a sophomore, was second on the team in scoring as a freshman and a junior, and was third on the team as a senior. Garrison was born in Oklahoma, but grew up in Warrensburg. After graduating from Central Missouri, he went on to enjoy a distinguished career in public service. He served a term in the state legislature, was elected prosecuting attorney of Johnson County, served in the Navy during World War II, was elected to two terms as circuit judge and served on Central Missouri State's board of regents. He died of a heart attack on Jan. 20, 1954, at the age of 45. In recognition of his service to the university and the Warrensburg community, the university's board of regents named Garrison Gymnasium in his honor. The facility was officially dedicated on December 8, 1959, and served as the home court for Mules' basketball until 1976, when the Multipurpose Building was completed.
