Before relocating to Flagstaff from Telluride, Colorado, in 1978, Jim Garretson had carefully researched the best place in the Southwest to establish an athletic club.

His desire to start an athletic club was driven by his passion for all sports and his goal to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles. Friends say his choice of Flagstaff was an excellent decision.

Today, his Flagstaff Athletic Club (FAC) is celebrating 45 years in business, with two successful locations, FAC West (1979) and FAC East, established in 1984. Sadly, staff, friends and family are also mourning the loss of their dear friend and beloved member of the Flagstaff community, James (Jim) David Garrison, born July 10, 1949, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He died July 14, just days after his 75th birthday.

A Legacy of Wellness

“He was a giant in our community,” said Holly Garretson, 64, his wife of 25 years who is also devoted to the clubs. “Jim built this and it’s just incredible. He’s left a lasting legacy of wellness, connecting people and creating friendships. There are so many people who met at the clubs. It’s a lot more than just working out in the gym. It’s moral support. He just meant so much to so many people.”

Holly is comforted in her loss by those around her. “Being in the club is incredible. Walking around, people stop me to ask if I am OK. People have shown so much love,” she said, adding that the “great team of managers will carry on his legacy.”

The couple married in 1999, after connecting while working out at Flagstaff Athletic Club. Holly joined Jim in managing both clubs in 2001. They have a son, Avery, 20.

Both Jim and Holly were married previously. Jim’s former wife, Susie, had moved to Flagstaff with him and helped found the club. They have two grown sons, Patrick (Mendocino County, California) and Jesse (Oak Creek, Arizona).

Friends say Jim was a devoted, proud and playful father, who cherished time with his sons at Lake Powell, Telluride and at home in Flagstaff. “He was such a great dad to his boys,” said Holly. “He was so sweet with Avery. Jim got him started skiing when he was little.”

Always an Athlete

Jim got hooked on sports at an early age, including being a record-holding pole-vaulter in high school and a power lifter at the University of New Mexico, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology.

His athleticism extended to many sports, predominantly water skiing and snow skiing. He also played a leadership role with the Flagstaff Alpine Ski Team for several years.

Handball was also a favorite of his. He played at the FAC gym competitively for years with his long-time friend, Albert Circosta. “Albert told me this recollection of how when the west club was starting in 1978, he was walking up to this guy who had a tool belt on with a hammer and plans in his hands. Albert introduced himself and said, ‘I can bring you members on one condition, that I get to be the first member.’ That was the day that started a long friendship.”

Circosta always called Jim, “Pardner,” said Holly, “like in the old Western movies.

They made time for each other every week.”

‘A Great Life’

The journey to becoming an athletic club owner was circuitous for Jim. In the early 1970s, he worked with the Telluride trail crew cutting the first ski runs on the mountain. He also built several spec houses in Telluride and Norwood. In addition, he and his partners transformed an old Victorian-era Methodist Church into the Bushwhacker Inn.

Similarly, Holly has a background in construction and rehabilitating properties for rental units. This shared interest contributed to their attraction to each other.

“We had a great life. We had so much fun. We skied together, hiked, traveled and camped. I feel so fortunate. We had a lot of years and a lot of fun.”

Today, Holly is carrying on Jim’s legacy by steering forth with a $2.5 million remodeling project at FAC West. “The space I’m creating right now will improve our weight room areas, locker rooms, group fitness spaces and overall upgrades of the club.”

In the last seven years, Jim’s health began to decline. A freak skiing accident in 2017 at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort highlighted emerging physical problems. “Good skiers can have the worst accidents,” said Holly. “He was a little bit confused that day. We were waiting to go on a run, waiting for a race to end.”

As Holly explained, Jim got caught on a pole left over from the race, which sent him airborne. He broke ribs, injured his rotator cuffs and punctured a lung. Jim spent the next three months at home, in bed, recovering from his injuries. In 2021, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia (actor Robin Williams suffered from this condition).

Eventually, Jim required more support. He was moved to a residential facility in Baderville that could provide intensive care. Family members and friends like Circosta visited often. “Albert was always by his side,” said Holly.

In addition to his wife and sons, Jim is survived by his sister Anne (Terry, Las Vegas, Nevada); cousins Sandy and Dorothy; and many nieces and nephews. He had no grandchildren. His parents, Ralph and Dorothy Garretson, and brother, Bonner, preceded him in death. FBN

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

Courtesy Photo: Jim Garretson, pictured here with Avery, enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his sons.