James “Jim” A. Grages

Obituary

James “Jim” Allen Grages was born on August 14th, 1949, in Appleton, Minnesota, to Harry & Bernadine (Schlieman) Grages. He was baptized and confirmed in Holloway, Minnesota. Jim graduated from Gaylord High School in May of 1968 and went on to study Business at Mankato Commercial College. 

After graduating with his degree, Jim worked at Eaton Corporation until he purchased the Ripley Resort and Bait shop in Litchfield, Minnesota. After selling his business, he worked at Gutter Helmet as the Warehouse Manager until he retired in 2021.

Jim will be remembered as a good friend and for his abundance of love for his family. He had a good sense of humor and never passed up an opportunity to tease his nieces or nephews. Jim was a devoted uncle and treated all his nieces and nephews like his own. Jim enjoyed woodworking and generously shared his projects with his family. Over the years, Jim’s projects included: wagons, bird feeders, barns, wood boxes and mangers. Jim also enjoyed hunting with his family, playing cards, and participating in a trap shooting league. Jim was a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe. He served as a deacon for many years.

Jim is survived by his siblings, Lannie (Bonnie) Grages, Wendy Graf, Mike Grages, Arlan (Karla) Grages, Randy Grages, Connie (Jack) Silijendahl; sister-in-law, Mardonna Grages; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Bernadine Grages; brothers, Donald Grages, Jerry Grages, Delroy Grages; brother-in-law, David Graf.