James E. Grigsby

James E. Grigsby was born into this world on May 13, 1925 to Mary (Caldwell) and Rolla Grigsby. He went to his heavenly home on August 19, 2023.

Jim lived in Cambridge City, IN for most of his life. In 4th grade, he met JoAnne Hines – whom he later married. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943 as senior class president. He attended Purdue University a semester (during his high school senior year) before joining the Army Air Force and serving in World War II.

After the war ended, Jim and JoAnne married on March 29, 1946, and started their family. Jim lived most of his life in Western Wayne County Indiana and loved his community. He was a life-long member of the Cambridge City Christian Church where he served in numerous roles such as deacon, elder, financial secretary, and Chairman of the Board. He served on the Valley Grove Cemetery Board.

Jim loved farming and was concerned about land conservation. He tended the land and forests and felt God’s pleasure as he worked. In addition to farming, he drove a school bus, worked as a draftsman at NATCO, and was landlord and property manager of the old Danner’s building.

Jim was renowned for his problem-solving abilities. He faced adversity bravely - surviving four cancers. As a family member observed “I wouldn’t bet against Jim.” His pioneer spirit accepted the hardships of life without complaining.

Jim loved and was proud of his family – and he had lots to love! The “Thanksmas” family gatherings he hosted provided lots of wonderful times as around 100 of his family celebrated together. All loved the twinkle in his eyes when he playfully interacted with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Even after the loss of his wife and the amputation of his leg in 2005, he lived alone on the farm for 11 more years until a major stroke in 2016 required him to move into a healthcare facility. He received excellent care from a loving staff at Westminster Village in Muncie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years (JoAnne), brother (Richard), son-in-law (Robin Kinnaman), grandson-in-law (Justin Gilman).

Survived by his six children – Mary Jo Kinnaman, John (Kris) Grigsby, Betsy (Bill) Peckinpaugh, Janie (George) Wild, Peggy (Mike) Atkinson, Nancy (Brian) Farrell; 28 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild; his sister, Ruth (Carroll) Downing; his sister-in-law, Nancy Hines.

Friends may call from 12 noon until the start of the Memorial Service at 2 PM on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Cambridge City Christian Church, 106 W. Church St., Cambridge City, IN and burial will be at Valley Grove Cemetery in Milton, IN. Arrangements by Waskom Capitol Hill Chapel in Cambridge City, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wayne County Foundation JoAnne Grigsby Memorial Scholarship Fund.

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