James Clyde “Jim” Grass
James Clyde “Jim” Grass, age 60, of Shelby died naturally, yet unexpectedly, on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at his home. His death follows a lengthy and valiant battle with Stage IV esophageal cancer.
Jim was born November 10, 1962 in Madison, West Virginia and moved to Shelby as a little boy. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1981 and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983. Serving for nearly nine years, which enveloped The Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm), he was stationed both stateside and in the Philippines- including being assigned to the USS Sterett. Following, he worked as a field engineer at UNISYS in Connecticut, Chandler Systems in Ashland, and primarily worked at the Tuby (ArcelorMittal) in Shelby where he was still currently employed as a maintenance electrician.
More often than not, Jim was the life of the party and had a way of making eye-to-eye connections with people no matter the height of the person he communicated with- even if he himself was one of the shortest people in the room. He had a unique way of connecting with people in deep conversation, which was always genuine and real, no matter the topic- serious or humorous. Jim’s hobbies culminated in fishing, hunting, and golfing, and he also coached softball for Shelby Girls Softball League for several years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Shelby.
Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Susan J. (Vance) Grass, whom he wed November 14, 1998; daughters: Lauryn Grass (fiancé, Matthew Kuhlman) and Megan Grass; brother: Bruce Grass of Tampa, FL; mother-in-law: Marilyn Vance of Shelby; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Linda and John Feussner of Shelby; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother: Loretta (McClain) Grass; and sister: Tonya Lynn Grass.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, October 23, 2023 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11 am. Pastor Jeff Croft, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Online condolences may be made on Jim’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
To view Jim’s Tribute Video, click the provided link: James Clyde “Jim” Grass Tribute Video
Oh Susan, my heart is absolutely breaking for you. You two were one of the happiest couples I know. My prayers will be with you during this time and in the days to come. There are no words that can comfort at this time. I’m praying for strength and peace for you and the girls. Love you.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jim fought a valiant fight. So many great memories for you all to hold on to. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Susan, I’m so sorry to see this! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
My heart felt condolences to Jim’s wife and family.
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at the Tuby for 15 years.
Jim was very proud of his family and spoke of them quite often, I knew him as a very loving and caring husband and father.
Jim was a highly talented person, an excellent electrician and he was a proud Navy veteran.
Jim’s presence will be sorely missed, not only by his family, but by those who knew him.
Fair winds and following seas Jim.
Susan, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Susan, Lauren and Megan
Our sincere condolences in your loss. Prayers for you all.
Sincerely,
Leti, Darell, Caden and Luke
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of your whole family during this sad and difficult time. Love to you all!
Cheryl Gies
Sending my prayers for you and your family. Jim was a great guy! Many times during our teen years when he was our our house he was the life of the party! Hugs through this journey.
Blessing,
Jeaneen Perry
So sorry to hear this Susan. Jim was a wonderful person. Hugs & prayers to you.
Lauryn, Megan and family,
So very sorry for your loss! May you find comfort in each other during this difficult time. Sending you prayers and a few hugs.
Miss Chew
Susan so very sorry about the loss of Jim. Prayers to you and girls
Susan & family
My deepest condolences. Jim was a very smart funny guy and I remember having lots of classes with him. He was always happy. My deepest sympathy.
Jane
Susan and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May God bring comfort and peace to you all during this very difficult time.
Susan, Lauryn and Megan I am devastated to hear this. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal….Love leaves memories no one can steal” ~Irish Proverb
Dear Susan, Bruce, Lauryn and Megan,
My heart goes out to all of you. So unexpected. Jimmy was a great guy. I am very sorry for your loss. Love and prayers.
Cousin Deb
Susan,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Prayers for all.
Linda
Lauryn,
Prayers to you and your whole family! Take comfort in your memories.
Love,
The Starkeys
Susan – my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Susan, Megan and Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim fought a good fight with his cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you and know God is your strength during this time and in the days ahead. Love and hugs.
Our family sends our deepest sympathies to your family.
The Bovia’s
Susan and girls, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Joe & Lynn
Susan, I’m so very sorry for your devastating loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to the family on the loss of Jim, may you find peace and solace in this time of grief.
I am very sorry for the loss of Jim Grass. I worked with Jim. He was an amazing electrician and worker. I loved to listen to his stories. Once he started there was no stopping, but I loved to listen. May God bring peace to Jim’s family. he loved you all very much.
Susan my heart hurts for you. Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about Jim’s passing. Deepest sympathy to you and the girls.
Susan, Lauryn and Megan. So very saddened to hear about Jim. May God embrace you and girls extra tight through coming days ahead. Please call anytime . I’m here . Our deepest sympathies. ! Love you all .
So sorry Susan, Lauryn and Megan,
My best whippet football game was sitting beside Jim and Bill Varble. It was so fun listening to them dissect the Whippet offense and defense. Jim was so approachable and fun to talk to. He will truly be missed.
Jim was indeed a fun person!
My sympathy to Susan and his daughters..
His huge personality will be missed..and yet it will be a source of comfort.
May you find comfort in your memories.
Susan and Ron Keiser
Susan and girls,
I’m so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful husband and father. My heart aches for you. Please know I’m holding you in my heart and in prayer. Much love to you all.
Susan and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim was one of the good ones! God speed my friend!