James T. Grant

James T. Grant, a beloved husband and father, died April 27, 2019 at the age of 87. He is preceded in death by his sister Emma Louise and his parents.

James was born Dec. 7, 1931, in Omaha, Neb. to Edward and Lois Grant. He began his studies for ministry at Midland Lutheran University, achieving a bachelor or arts cum laude. He next attended Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, Calif. and earned a master's of divinity

He was ordained at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in California and accepted various calls from 1958 to 1968. He decided to purse chaplaincy training in Berkeley, California and completed the Advanced Clinical Training. With this training, his career focus turned to treatment and rehabilitation at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.

In 1975 he transferred to Lakeland Village and ministered to the developmentally delayed residents for the next 17 and a half years. It was among the residents that he witnessed the most open-hearted trust in God and love for others.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Janette, Daniel and Kristin and his step-children Mike, Mark, Melinda, Melissa and Lisa, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lived out his final years with his wife at their home on Granite Lake.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 639 Elm St. in Cheney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, 1004 E. 8th Ave., Spokane WA 99202.