James Joseph Grande

James Joseph Grande, 70, of Charlotte, joined his Lord on December 10, 2014. He was blessed to be at home and passed in the arms of his loving wife. James was born in Herkimer, New York, on October 31, 1944, the son of Joseph Grande and Elizabeth Raymonda. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and faithfully served from 1962 until 1966. He then worked for General Electric in Utica and then to Mohawk Data Science in Herkimer. He began working as a civilian as a software technician and worked with cryptographic and communications gear with top secret clearance at Griffiss Air Force Base and upon base shutdown, was transferred to Hunters Army Base in Savannah, Georgia. On September 28, 1984, he married Karen Nolan in Herkimer, New York. Childhood acquaintances, James and Karen knew each other going back to school days and this year, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversay. James ultimately retired from Hunters Army base and he and Karen moved to Charlotte in October of 2011 where they could be close to their daughter. In addition to working, James was an avid reader, loved to golf and was a fan of all sports in general. He didn’t mind if he was a participant or observer, and he would watch any and all sports he could on television. He especially liked Syracuse’s basketball and football programming, NY Yankee baseball, and Cleveland Brown football. In addition to serving his country, James also served his community and his Lord. In his younger years, he was an active member of the Elks and when he moved to Charlotte, he was a faithful member of Morningstar Lutheran Church. There, he could be found enjoying the fellowship and projects undertaken of the Morningstar Men’s Ministry including one of his favorites which was working with the homeless shelter. He was a very caring and loving spirit who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. James is survived by his wife, Karen, of Charlotte; a son Daryl (wife Angela) Grande of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and their children Olivia and Dominick; a daughter, Shelly Stinson of Charlotte; and a daughter Catrina (husband Chip) Griewahn of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and their children Haylie, Sarah, and Corben. James is also survived by his sister, Roseann Dobruck, and two brothers, Joseph and Robert Grande. Further surviving James are special friends and family: Amy Black, Mark and Debbie Cook; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. James’ family has given the privilege of caring for them to the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, December 14, from 4 to 6 pm. On Monday morning, December 15 at 11 am, funeral services led by Pastor Mauritson will be held at James’ church, Morning Star Lutheran Church, 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family as James is taken to his final place of earthly rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. The family respectfully requests and appreciates donations be made in James’ memory to either Hospice of Charlotte at https://hpccr.thankyou4caring.org/ for all their loving care in James’ final days or to Morning Star Lutheran Church, http://www.morningstarlutheranchurch.org/ To share memories, photos, videos, and condolences, please visit James’ online memorial page located at www.LoweNeddoFuneralHome.com and for further information, please call 704-545-3553.

James Joseph Grande

October 31, 1944 - December 10, 2014