James Martin Grisham JR

James Martin Grisham, Jr., beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on March 8, 2024, at his home in Leonard, Texas. He was born on August 1, 1945, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to his loving parents Valarie and James Grisham, Sr., who were stationed there while Jim’s father was in the Navy. The family eventually moved to Albuquerque, NM, where Jim grew up, graduated from Manzano High School in 1963, and attended the University of New Mexico while also enrolled in the Air National Guard. During that time, the Vietnam conflict escalated, and he was called to active duty and stationed in South Korea. Jim was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1971, when he finished his degree in business at UNM and began a career in the telephony industry. In his later years, Jim earned a teaching degree and was a substitute teacher in Wylie and Farmersville schools. 

 Jim enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including reading, watching history documentaries, soaking up the sunshine while swimming, and most notably, bowling. Bowling was a Grisham family pastime from the time Jim was a child, and he continued bowling until he was no longer physically able, just a couple of years ago. Jim and Sue met while bowling on a league and together attended countless tournaments around Texas and the United States. He had two 11-in-a-row awards and a 737 series, but his greatest prizes were the many people he could count as friends made along the way.

 A friendly and outgoing man, Jim was also a patient teacher who especially enjoyed substituting in special needs classes as well as coaching grandchildren with swimming, chess, or even simply how to get along with each other. He will be deeply missed by many who were privileged to know him.

 Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Sue Grisham; his children:  Dezra Noel and James Martin Grisham III; and his stepchildren:  Shannon Sharker and Brad Goodman. He leaves behind his sisters:  Elaine Meador and Robin Schattenberg. In addition, Jim will be remembered by his grandchildren:  Aki Grisham, Genevieve Noel, Jessica Noel, Estellianna Grajeda-Noel, Joseph Sharker, Victoria Sharker, Luke Goodman, AnnaLaura Sharker, Zachary Sharker, and great-granddaughter, Paisley Sharker.

 A memorial service to honor and remember Jim will be held on April 4^th at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Leonard, Texas; burial will be at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. The gathering will be a time to celebrate a life well-lived and to find comfort in cherished memories.

In the wake of Jim’s passing, may we find solace in the legacy of love and friendship he leaves behind and the knowledge that he knew Jesus as his Savior and is now in his eternal home with Him. Dear James Martin Grisham, Jr. – your memory will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the International Mission Board (IMB, 3806 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA  23230 or online at imb.org) in memory of James M. Grisham, Jr.