James D. Grainger, 97, died peacefully September 4, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 14, 1924 at Climax Springs, Missouri to Martin and Bertha Grainger. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and five sisters. He farmed until he was called to the Army during World War 2. He was united in marriage to Jean Taylor on March 9, 1953. To this union one son, David, was born. Jean fought cancer for many years and died January 9, 1983. Jim was united in marriage to Beth Hanson in January, 1984.
Early in his life, Jim responded to God's call to his own heart and remained true to that calling until the time of his death. He spent many years as an auto body technician for Powell Body Works and Scholfield Brothers. He made a number of tools to make his work easier, and got a patent on one. After retirement from the auto industry, he drove a school bus for Andover USD 385 for 15 years. He retired from bus driving in 2010. His love for writing led him to become a published author of two children's books in his early 90's. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Beth; son, David (Debbie); two granddaughters, Meagan Grainger and Emily (Zach) Szpila; and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral service for Jim will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 13, 2022, with visitation one hour prior, at Lakeview Funeral Home. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th Street N, Wichita, KS 67206. Jim's service will be livestreamed from Lakeview Funeral Home & Lakeview Cemetery Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/101635589929917 for those who are unable to attend in-person.
Memorial contributions in Jim's memory can be made to Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside Street, Wichita, KS 67219.
