James Michael Grant II
June 19, 1961 – May 23, 2022
James Michael Grant II, 60, of Olathe, KS passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2022 from Bulbar Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Jim passed away from the complications caused by ALS. Jim’s family are proud of his ability to make others laugh and help others even when things were tough for him. His smile, presence, and friendship will be missed by everyone.
James, known as Jim, was born to James Michael and Sandra Lee (Johnston) Grant June 19th, 1961 in St. Joseph, MO. James was raised and attended school in Prairie Village and graduated Shawnee Mission East in 1979. In high school, Jim was a saxophone player in marching band, jazz band, and a member of the JROTC; Proud to be a Lancer! In high school, Jim worked at Swensen’s Ice Cream and Venture in Overland Park. Jim met his future wife Carol (Jensen) while working at Venture and attending Johnson County Community College. Jim graduated from Johnson County Community College in 1981. Jim and Carol married on June 15th, 1985.
Jim and Carol became residents of Olathe in 1987. In Olathe, they raised two children Kimberly and James the third. Jim enjoyed being a leader involved in the Boy Scouts of America. Jim joined Kiwanis International and was Lt. Governor of Kansas District 9 from 2010 to 2012. Jim was especially proud of his time spent helping low income families get back on their feet through Mothers Hands. Jim was an avid traveler and took the family on many road trips and camping trips all across the country. He was a dedicated father and husband, handyman, photographer, cyclist, pilot, woodworker, music lover, racing fan, and enjoyed learning about everything, especially space. A devout Christian, he was always involved in the church and a son of Christ.
Jim is preceded in death by his father James M. Grant. Jim is survived by his mother Sandra Grant (Johnston), wife Carol of 36 years, daughter Kimberly Lemburg (& Tyler) and grandsons Caleb and Brady of Fishers, IN, son James Grant III (& Atalie) of Olympia, WA, his brothers Pat Grant and Paul Grant, sisters Leslie Schulte (& Scott) and Stephanie Grant. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was involved in so many groups, organizations, businesses, and had so many friends in so many places. Please take the time to leave a message about Jim, a story, or condolences for the family below.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Jim to the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund here, to support their effort in improving the lives of children around the world.
Jimmy fought so hard through this dreadful disease, and did so with courage and never lost his sense of humor. Rest In Peace, Jimmy.
Jim was one of a kind. True friend that would help anyone. Family man to the core. We love and miss you Jim.
To Jim’s family: Jim was a truly special man. I only came to know him at our 40th reunion from SME. What a wonderful husband, father, and leader he was. I wish I had gotten to know even more about him, and spent some time with him. I can’t imagine how you all must be grieving. All my prayers tonight are for your family and loved ones.
Jim, you were an inspiration to me. Thanks for taking the time to believe in a punk 30 yr old. You will be dearly missed. Brave, kind soul.
My deepest condolences during this difficult loss. Jim fought hard to his battle with ALS. Rhonda and Kim and family were so supportive throughout his battle, my prayers for you all during this time. May God continue to give you strength and peace 🙏
Terri
Ascend Hospice
I apologize for putting the wrong name. Meant to put in wife Carol.
On behalf of the ACA Business Club, We are so sad to hear this! He was loved by his fellow members and will be missed!
God speed Jim. God must have needed a sax player for the band. Lord please bless this family with the strength to heal in this most difficult time. Lancers we will always be!
Many have said in life we have a born date and an end date, those we cannot control. We control the time immemorial represented by the “dash” between dates.
I believe those who remember us after our home going are testament to our dash.
Jim Grant, thank you for intentionally touching my life and the lives of countless others as an ambassador for your family, your business, and our community.
I am proud to have known you and pray the evidence of my dash is as grandly profound as yours.
You embody: “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8
Godspeed Jim Grant. I hope to see you again on the other side.
Life was a better place from the moment I met Jim in the 4th grade.
From childhood to adulthood, I carry with me more wonderful memories than space to share them all here. Jim was a true Best Friend, as he was to many people whose lives he touched.
He was also the Best Man at my wedding.
Jim’s life was full of adventures far beyond those words in the secret notes written (in Big Chief pencil) between only us in Elementary school.
I am comforted in knowing he lived his dreams to the best of his ability and shared his love with everyone whose path he touched. Mine included.
To his family. My sincere condolences.
Where words fail, memories remain.
Greg Younts
When I think of Jim, I think of all the good work he has done for Kiwanis. I’m sure he helped the Overland Park Kiwanis Club with our website, probably more than once.
I enjoyed reading the updates on his health and included him on my prayer list. I will continue to pray for him and his family this week.
My sincere condolences to the Grant family. I did not know James II, but I knew his father James I as well as his wife Sandy.
I worked with Jim at the Dodson group for many years. He often spoke about his family and was a very good friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Grant family.
I am truly sorry for the loss of Jim as the husband, father, son and brother to his family. He was always willing to help where needed.
Jim was a special person,friend, & fellow Kiwanian.His blog during his illness was so uplifting!
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I got to know Jim through Kansas Kiwanis as I was Lt. Gov. for Kansas District 3 the same time as Jim was Lt. Gov for District 9. I enjoyed his sense of humor and kindness. I cannot imagine what he went through with ALS, but I know he was definitely a strong fighter. Thinking of the Grant family during this time.
To my sister Carol, my niece Kimberly, nephew Jimmy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.