Longtime community servant dies at 79

Former village president and 26-year trustee, Jim Grant died Jan. 19 after a lifetime of service to the Grafton community.

Grant played a large role in the construction of the Grafton Public Library in 1989. Prior to fundraising efforts to build the library in 1987, it had operated out of a former theater in downtown since its founding in 1956.

Grant was also influential in founding the Economic Development for Grafton Enhancement (EDGE).     

EDGE, which is dedicated to promoting development in the Grafton area, is comprised of town and village representatives, including Plan Commission members and representatives of the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Grant served as a trustee from 1976 to 1986 and again from 2003 to 2015, a total of 11 terms in office. He also served as president from 1986 to 1990.

During his time on the Village Board, he served on a dozen committees, from  Public Safety to the Historic Preservation Commission to Community Activities. He also served on the Library Board and Board of Health.

Outside of his government roles, Grant was a Little League coach and was involved in the Boy Scouts.

Grant was born Sept. 10, 1940, in Gardner, Maine. He grew up in Plainville, Conn., and graduated from Plainville High School in 1958 before joining the Navy, serving from 1959 to 1963. He later served in the Naval Reserves.

Grant is survived by his wife Carol; children Mark, Shawn and Eric; grandchildren Reata and Shelby; great-grandchildren Abbey and Brody; and brother Timothy.

A public service will not be held. The Grant family asks that memorials be made in his name to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.