James Allen Grady Sr., 87, of Apopka, Florida passed away on August 20, 2020. Mr. Grady was born on January 08, 1933 in Barnum, Iowa. He was preceded in death by 7 siblings. He is survived by his life partner Peggy Jones; children Sharon Lynn (Charlie) Miller and James A. (Michaela) Grady Jr.; step-son Andrew Patterson; siblings Garland “Mike” Grady and Josephine Thorpe; grandchildren Steven Miller, Selena Grady, Benjamin Grady, and Heather Reid; as well as 3 great grand-daughters. Mr. Grady was a Veteran who served in the United Stated Navy as well as a state certified Mechanical Contractor, which he did for 50 years, with a focus in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Additionally, he was a Business Owner in the Aviation (C.A.P. Flying) industry. He was an avid Pilot, a member of Quiet Birdman and Lt. Col. in Civil Air Patrol as well as a member of Bahia-Shrine Flying Fez. Mr. Grady was instrumental in flying child burn victims to the Shriners Hospital. His compassion through such difficult times is still appreciated. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and friends.
Service
Visitation
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 W. Main Street, Apopka, FL 32712
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Service
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 W. Main Street, Apopka, FL 32712
5:00pm
Interment
Florida National Cemetery Bushnell
6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513
10:00am
JerrySmith says
A Great man. Considered him a friend and business associate. He was always there when needed. They don’t make them like that anymore. I have a photo of him up on a 40’ helping me get my business cooler up and running, he was 81!! I could always joke to get one of his unique laughs out of him!! I am sure you are singing in Paradise now buddy! Until we meet again!
Jerry Smith.
Ramon Maza says
Jim was like a father to me. It was such a pleasure being his student after I graduated from HVAC School. We fell into each other at the right moment in our lives. I learned so much from him eventually after getting tired of him yelling at me for not doing it right. He was a perfectionist in his craft. Say hello to heaven for me Jim and let Marty Francis know I said hello. He was instrumental in putting our lives together. I owe so much to so many people in Florida and especially thankful that our lives crossed path Jimmy. I miss you already!
Art and Nancy Francis says
Jim Grady was the most welcoming man I knew. When you shook his hand, that vise like gripe pulled you in and delivered the hug with it. I cannot remember a time when Jim was not smiling other than when his partner, fellow QB and my father died. Jim took the time to care for my mother afterward whenever she needed ANYTHING! He would come over and take care of her. Being so distant from my mom, Jim was my surrogate father caring for my mother, a debt I will always owe. I know that Jim and Lenny are together again flying high in the skies above. He was a self-made man, a skilled man and an honorable man. I remember a saying that to me defines my forever friend Jim. It says, “ You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes, you meet hose people you can’t forget…..Those are your friends!” Rest in peace, fly high and say hello to my dad Jim. He has missed you…….
Leigh Francis says
Jim, was a great member of the extended Francis family, as my Uncle attests above. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for my grandfather Lenny, or his wife, Carol. And nothing Lenny or Carol wouldn’t do for him. He was a strong, hardworking man, the salt of the earth, in every sense. I will always remember his smile, his hearty and unmistakable laugh, his positivity, and warmth. He was a reliable man, reliable friend, and always reliably kind. You will be missed Jim, but not forgotten.
Nicole Francis says
My condolences to his family. He was a good friend of the family for many years. Very warm and loving man.