James Russell “Jim” Grandstaff, 96, passed away in his home on the evening of June 6, 2018, with one of his beloved daughters by his side, following an afternoon of sharing memories. Jim had been hospitalized twice during the previous week with congestive heart failure difficulties.
Jim was born on April 20, 1922, in Pike County, Ohio. He graduated from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams. He graduated with a business degree from The Ohio State University in three years and participated in post-graduate studies at The University of Wisconsin.
Jim spent most of his career at The Huntington National Bank and retired from the bank as an executive vice president and vice president of The Huntington National Bancshares. Following retirement, he worked an additional nine years as an executive vice president of Southeast Bank in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and as an executive with Florida Federal Savings and Loan in Clearwater, Florida.
He proudly served his country during World War II as a 1st Lieutenant Pilot in the U. S. Army Air Forces, flying in the European theatre. He was humbled that Miami Trace High School honored him during their Veteran’s Day program in 2017.
Jim was a member of the Saint Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church in Washington Court House where he served on the finance committee; he had served as the Chairman of the Columbus Catholic Diocesan Development Fund and had served on various other boards including on the school board for Columbus Bishop Ready High School; the Diocesan Boys and Girls Club of Columbus and Mac Tools.
He had a passion for riding horses and, following his retirement, he realized his dream of raising horses and farming for 32 years in Washington Court House. He and all of his family made many wonderful, cherished memories on the farm and both Jim and Margie made many very special and lasting friendships in the community.
He was preceded in death by his very loving wife of 59 years, Margie Grandstaff (née Fox); his cherished granddaughter, Amy Kelley (Scott), and his mother and step-father, Leta Cora (née Davis) and Robert Bouch.
He is survived by his five children, Dee Peters (Tim) of Cincinnati, Richard Grandstaff of Columbus, Linda Grandstaff (Tim Clarke) of Lakewood, Nancy Grandstaff (Tim Bridgham) of Powell, and Sally Stamm (Greg) of Toppenish, Washington; four grandchildren, Katie Peters (Alan Beugg) of Denver, Jennifer Wilson (Zach) of Chicago, Rebecca Stamm of Toppenish, and Joel Stamm (Jessica) of Bellingham, Washington; seven great grandchildren, Madison, Reese, and Sydney Kelley, Juliette, Lily, and Margot Wilson, and Caleb Darnall. Jim’s eighth great grandchild, baby Beugg, is due next month. Jim’s family adored and treasured him beyond measure and were so blessed with his presence in their lives.
Visiting hours will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at the Saint Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church in Washington Court House, Ohio. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the Rev. Father Michael Hartge, administrative parochial vicar at the church. Burial will follow in the St. Colman Catholic Cemetery. Immediately following the burial, a luncheon honoring Jim will be held in the St. Colman Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Saint Colman Catholic Church, 219 S. North St., Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
Prayers to Grandstaff family. As a kid I fed and took care of the horses while they were away. Jim and Marge were such nice people. God Bless