Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 19, 1948, Jim attended the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a focus in Journalism and served 2 years in the United States Army. He spent his entire career at UPS starting in package delivery and eventually progressed to a Human Resources and Labor Relations executive. Jim was a voracious reader, lover of music, an avid sports fan and a constant learner. He often said his two favorite words were “Spring Training”.
He loved movies and television shows and frequently recited classic lines to generate laughs. He was quick with a one-liner, knew nearly every obscure fact, was always conscious of safety and was exceedingly stubborn.
Jim cared most for his family and his decision-making framework was guided by what was best for them. He was married to his wife Barb for 54 years and when they had brief moments of separation, he was lost without her.
Jim is survived by his wife Barbara; children, Joanna Grant Merrell (Stan) and Jaime Grant Grassian (Doug) and his three grandchildren; Cole James, Kasey Lee and Evan James. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Friends and family are invited to Baldwin Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel (5000 CR-46A, Sanford, FL 32771) on Sunday April 13, 2025 starting at 12:00 PM for a visitation with a service to follow at 1:00 PM and burial at 2:00 PM.
