James Grissom

James M. Grissom, 78, of Kiel, died Monday afternoon, May 4, 2020, at his home.  

He was born on March 29, 1942, in Bloomington, Ind., the son of the late Lester and Bernadette (Williams) Grissom.

Jim was a graduate of Bloomington High School in 1960 and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the ASA Security Agency.  

On April 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Pacha Graves in Bedford, Ind.

Jim started his working career in Bloomington, Ind., with Allegheny Airlines as part of the general crew. He worked his way up the ranks to become station manager after Allegheny became US Air. Eventually Jim settled in Milwaukee as station manager, where he remained until his retirement.  

Jim was an active troop leader for the Boy Scouts while his children were involved. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was active with many other community groups, including Bob’s Under the Bridge and the Jackson Food Pantry, and caring for the needs of the homeless.

In his free time he enjoyed coin collecting, photography, astronomy, genealogy and taking road trips.

Survivors include his wife Pacha; his children Emmett (Tammy) Grissom of  Cedarburg, Wis., Garrett (Valerie) Grissom of Manitowoc, Wis., and Kariann (Dustin) Schmitz of Austin, Texas; and his grandchildren Christopher, Katelyn and Tyler Grissom and Kyndall Schmitz.  James is further survived by his brother Tom (Linda) Grissom; sister Catherine Massey; and brothers-in-law Dan (Judy) Graves and Raymond “Gary” (Debbie) Graves, along with nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

No local services will be held. Jim will be laid to rest by his parents in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Loogootee, Ind., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name for the Kiel Area Community Food Pantry.  

Jim’s family would like to thank the Kiel first responders, police and ambulance for all of their help. They would also like to thank Chuck Schroeder and Kevin Voland for being so kind and caring to Pacha and her family.

Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, Kiel, is handling the arrangements.