In Memoriam: James (Jim) Garnett, Jr., 68
SVP, Global Risk Management, During 16+ Years at Chase Manhattan
James “Jim” Mercer Garnett, Jr., of Darien and Cornwall Bridge, CT, who held a number of key posts in Treasury and Risk Management at Chase Manhattan, died of cancer on February 15, 2024, age 68.
Born in Greenwich, CT, he soon moved with his family to London, where he began his education at Hill House, learning the English manners that stayed with him for the rest of his life. Returning to the United States, Garnett attended the Greenwich Country Day School, followed by boarding school at the South Kent School, where he was a tri-varsity athlete and senior prefect. He spent six summers at Camp Pasquaney, in New Hampshire, where he was recognized as “most faithful boy.” As an adult, Garnett and his wife supported the camp each summer by providing scholarships, enabling countless boys to attend. Intensely loyal to his friends and family, and motivated by human connection, he credited these qualities to his time at both South Kent School and Camp Pasquaney, institutions he supported throughout adulthood.
Garnett graduated from Lake Forest College, beginning work the day after graduation, embarking on a 38-year career in risk management in corporate banking. After working first for the Wilmington Trust Company, he made the move to New York City with the Chase Manhattan Bank in March 1981. He left as Senior Vice President in Global Risk Management, having been Treasuer of Chase Manhattan Delaware and of The Chase Manhattan Corporation, head of Chase's U.S. Derivative Trading and active in Credit Development in New York City.
More than 16 successful years at Chase were followed by almost 19 at Citibank, retiring as head of Global Risk Architecture in 2016.
In retirement, Garnett served as chair of the Audit Committee on the board of Bankwell Financial Group and as a volunteer and a member of the leadership advisory council at Silver Hill Hospital. He also served 26 years on the board of South Kent School, most recently as chair of the finance committee, and was very proud of his instrumental role in developing the school's mental health program.
Garnett was a long-time member of the Wilmington Club in Wilmington, DE, and the Tokeneke Club in Darien, CT. He was also a proud member of Verbank Hunting and Fishing Club and the informal yet religiously attended Great Cranberry Island Coffee Klatch.
Seldom seen without at least two dogs — his black lab riding shotgun — Garnett was passionate about the outdoors and spent endless hours in the wilderness, often hunting or fishing with treasured friends. He treated spey casting in the wilds of British Columbia as a religious practice. He was a skilled boatsman with the unique ability to dock in any condition, working his vessels with grace and ease. He was never happier than he was when piloting his prized “Moonshot” toward Mount Desert Rock in Maine to marvel at humpback whales.
Among his survivors are his wife of 42 years, Margery “Gigi” Ward Garnett, three daughters, a son, and five grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Shatterproof or Ducks Unlimited.