James Leon Grisham, 97, of Council Grove, Kansas, passed away January 31, 2021 at Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice. He was born April 5, 1923, in Wildorado, Texas, the son of A.G. and Lillie Alvin (Gunn) Grisham. He served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1947. Jim graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy in 1949. He was a member of Kiwanas Professional Organization for 17 years, and served as President for 2 years; also a member of New Mexico Grain and Feed Association for 20 years and served as President for 2 years. Jim worked in Animal Feed Manufacturing for 33 years, as a Manager for Worley Mills Feed Coop, in Clovis, New Mexico. Jim was a Church Deacon for 63 years and taught Sunday School for 55 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Milford Ray and Wayne Larue Grisham; children: Randall James Grisham and Cynthia Ann Spence. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Earlene Grisham; children: Priscilla Kay Roddy of Council Grove, Linda Marie Runyan (Bruce) of Hideaway, TX, Beverly Kay Howard (Francis) of Henderson, NV, and Larry Dale Suttle (Charlotte) of South Pittsburg, TN; grandchildren: Clint Roddy, Wesley Roddy, Chris Runyan, Billy Runyan, Allan Spence, Sherron Spence, William Adams, Lorie Robinson, David Suttle, Jeremy Howard, Shelby Howard, Johnothan Hill and Amy Davis; 23 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great grandchildren. Jim’s love for life was contagious. He loved to laugh, to share the Lord’s word, spend time with family and friends, harvest a big vegetable garden every year and grow and nurture his flowers. Due to the corona virus, a private graveside service will be held at Sunny Slope Cemetery. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later time. Family and friends will be invited.
Condolences may be made and sent to Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice, 3801 Vanesta Drive, Manhattan, KS 66503 or to First Baptist Church of Council Grove, 501 Country Lane, Council Grove, KS 66846.