James Leonard Grier, 85 passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2023 at Brian’s House in Bay City, Michigan.
He was born in Standish, Michigan on July 14, 1937 to the late John and Irma Grier. Jim attended Pine River Country Elementary School and graduated from Standish High School. Jim married the love of his life, Mary Margaret LaClair on June 21, 1958. They met when they were just 12 years old in elementary school.
Jim had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. These included: playing the guitar, jamming with friends, Tigers’ baseball, deer hunting, coaching youth baseball, camping, music festivals, casino trips and enjoying time with his family. He also enjoyed woodworking and building or fixing anything he could get his hands on! Jim was an accomplished athlete. In high school Jim played baseball, football and basketball. As a high school Died May 17, 2023
junior, Jim was awarded Standish-Sterling’s very first Most Valuable Player Award in football. He excelled in baseball and tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. Jim played in the Northeastern Michigan Baseball League for over 25 years and in 2007 was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
Jim also ran his own business, Grier’s Fisheries, on Sagi-naw Bay for more than 20 years. He retired from Standish-Sterling School District in 1998 where he was employed as a custodian. In his final years Jim had become the primary caretaker for his wife.
He is survived by his son Mike (Lisa) of Carlisle, Pennsylvania and a daughter Miranda and son James. Also survived by his daughter, Debbie Walker (Charlie), and daughters Ellyse and Lauren. Jim is preceded in death by sister Gwen (Bill) Brashaw, and brother John (Lois).
Memorial Services will be on Friday June 2 at 6 p.m. at Lee-Ramsey Funeral Home in Standish, Michigan. Mark Grier, Jim’s nephew, will lead us in a celebration of life for Jim. The family will greet friends Friday, June 2 from 3 p.m. until the time of service. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that any donations be made to Arenac County Animal Shelter.
