James "Jim" M. Grant

James M. Grant, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, devoted servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and respected leader in the church, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 11, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 82.

Born on February 6, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jim lived a life anchored in faith, humility, and service. From an early age, he developed a deep love for God’s Word, a love that would shape every season of his life and guide the way he loved, taught, and led others.

Jim grew up on the east side of Des Moines, where he developed a deep love for his community that would remain with him throughout his life. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School, attended Iowa State University for a year, and went on to graduate from Drake University.

Jim dedicated 41 years of service to the City of Des Moines. Over the course of his career, he held nearly every role within the Planning and Zoning Department, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike. He began his journey as a high school senior intern and never left the department, working his way up from draftsman through each successive position. His commitment, expertise, and passion for public service were so highly valued that he was ultimately appointed Director of Community Development, a role he held with distinction until his retirement.

Jim met his forever sweetheart, Mary, at his sister’s birthday party when they were just 14 and 15 years old. They fell in love immediately, beginning a lifelong partnership that led to their marriage in the fall of 1962 - a love story marked by devotion, faith, and unwavering commitment.

He loved fishing, especially on trips to Canada with his sons and grandsons, as well as friends and family. He was the biggest Dallas Cowboys fan and found great joy in woodworking.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Grant; his daughter Lisa (Jeff) Jones; his sons Greg (Lori) Grant and Jim (D.) Grant; his grandchildren Alexandra Grant, Zachary Grant, Hailey (Jordan) Carew, Jonah Grant, Joshua Grant, Sawyer (Nathaniel) Bair, and Jordan (Alicia) Jones; and his great-grandchildren Eli Jones and Palmer Carew; his sisters Evelyn Selover, Jean (Steve) Warren, and Joy Giudicessi, who will continue to carry forward the faith, values, and love he so faithfully lived out.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Leola Grant, brother LaVerne Grant and brother-in-law Jerry Selover.

Jim’s life was a testimony of faith, his legacy a blessing, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by the funeral service at 11 am, January 21, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery after the funeral.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Suncrest Hospice, including Jackie, Audrey, Dee, Mikayla, and Tara, as well as Mary from Home Instead, who were all angels sent from heaven, for the exceptional care and love shown to Jim, Mary, and the family during Jim’s final days.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation to charitable causes.

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