
James Grignon
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Let us celebrate the life of James Loyal Grignon, a devoted husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather,uncle and friend. Jim would not want us to fuss or overly grieve his passing but rather to honor him by indulging in a piece of pie, swapping a few stories, toasting a glass of wine and perhaps even engaging in a quick game of Times Up. This is how we will remember Jim, for his love of the moment, for his infectious laugh and for his ability to make those around him feel significant. Jim awoke each day with the simplest of intentions: To learn something new -- he was an avid reader -- and to spend quality time with loved ones and friends.
For those of us lucky enough to have shared any of his 81-plus years on this Earth, we are forever grateful. His impact on our lives was evident in countless ways. And that was the beauty of Jim's soul: He cared for us with an ego-less passion. We dare anyone to acknowledge a time when Jim did not stop what he was doing to complete a favor for us. That truly was part of his DNA.
Jim was born into humble beginnings in Embarrass, Wisconsin, the son of Cecilia and James Grignon. He graduated from Menasha (Wisc.) High School in 1958 and pursued a career in the Air Force for the next six years. His love of electronics flourished during this time and he completed correspondence courses from the University of Wisconsin in that field. Later, he enrolled at the Cleveland Institute of Electronics from 1966-68. After years as a television service technician in the Fox Valley, Jim's career excelled as a a field technician engineer for Sony, whom he worked for decades until his retirement. Even in retirement, though, Jim's skill set in the electronics field amazed those around him. He may not have possessed the technical qualifications of an electrical engineer but Jim had the uncanny ability to fix anything -- and that is no exaggeration -- through sheer will, determination and creativity. In his earlier years he enjoyed acting in local plays and was a County Board Supervisor in Oshkosh from 1973-1977.
Jim's most important love, however, was Luanne Paul Flanagan, whom he wed in 1970. He took on the challenging role as stepfather to her four children -- John, James, Julene and Jeffrey. Jim was preceded in death by Luanne in 2011 but it was his endless devotion to easing her suffering as she battled cancer (and numerous other ailments) for years that once again demonstrated his unique character.
Jim, who passed away Jan. 16 from complications due to a stroke, is survived by his sister, Faye Williams, who lost her husband, Tom, recently, and his niece Lisa Thorpe (Craig Newman). He also is survived by stepchildren John, Julie (Bob Piechocki), Jeffrey (Janet Rogers), grandchildren Brianna Flanagan and Jacob Flanagan, Aunt Carol Seis and great nieces and nephews.
Jim's life was one well-lived. Let's never forget.
