James Monroe Grigsby, 95, was born in Prattsburg, Indiana, on April 14, 1930, the son of the late Beckham and Cinda Lou (Branson) Grigsby. At an early age, his family moved to what became known as Grigsby’s Hill, outside of Delaware, Indiana, where he grew up on the family farm alongside his brothers and sisters.
James was a proud graduate of Napoleon High School, home of the Bearcats. Following high school, he began his working career at Seagram’s Distillery. He later answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War, serving honorably as a paratrooper in the United States Army. During his service, James was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart, a testament to his bravery and sacrifice.
Upon returning home, a chance moment would forever change his life. Spotting a young lady walking to a neighbor’s house, James summoned the courage to give a quick toot of the horn and ask Miss Helen Abplanalp out on a date. That simple act led to a lifetime of love. The couple was united in marriage at Negangard’s Corner on November 26, 1955, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Together, they were blessed with four children.
James and Helen moved into their forever home in Delaware more than 60 years ago, where they built a life filled with love, faith, and family. He was a lifetime member of the Delaware Community Church and returned to Seagram’s Distillery, where he worked faithfully for 40 years before retiring.
Known by his family as the original MacGyver, James was truly a jack of all trades, able to fix, build, or figure out just about anything. He loved the outdoors, whether tending to his sprawling garden or enjoying hunting and fishing. He and Helen shared a love of travel and enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, with Alaska holding a special place as his favorite destination. Above all else, James’ greatest pride and joy was his family.
A man of routine and deep faith, James began every morning by reading his Bible while waiting for Helen, ready to start the day together. He was a member of the Osgood American Legion and the Milan Masonic Lodge No. 31.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Helen Grigsby; children Becky Coleman and Terry (Donna) Grigsby, son-in-law Wayne Simon; grandchildren Travis Coleman, Troy Coleman, Shawn (Samantha) Ison, Dalton (Melissa) Grigsby, Haley (Shawn) Settles, Logan (Hannah) Simon, and Jacob Simon; great-grandchildren Trevor Ison and Liam Simon; and sisters Wanda Sanchez and Janet Steele.
He was preceded in death by his parents; children Jeff Grigsby and Brenda Simon; grandson Tracy Coleman; brothers Jack, Donald, and Paul Grigsby; and sisters Ertha, Lovina, Mary, Ty, Olive, and Rebecca.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Tim Osborn officiating. Masonic services and military rites will also be observed. Burial will follow at the Grigsby Family Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Grigsby Family Cemetery, in care of Neal’s Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at nealsfuneralhome.net.