James F. ‘Jim’ DeGrand

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — James F. “Jim” DeGrand, of St. Pete Beach, Fla., passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was born on August 31, 1947 in Escanaba, son of Mark and Katie (Rodman) DeGrand. He grew up in Escanaba and attended Holy Name High School. James also attended Ferris State University where he earned an associate’s degree.

James married the former Judy Mannebach on April 20, 1968. They spent over 55 years together and raised two children, Tammy and Tony.

After getting drafted into the US Army in 1968, he transferred to the Michigan National Guard and earned the rank of Master Sergeant while achieving several awards. He retired after 20 years of service in 1988.

Jim and his family moved to Lansing for his job with the Highway Design Department at MDOT. Jim coached Tony in several of his basketball and baseball teams while growing up and both Judy and Jim were heavily involved in their church. Together they served as youth advisors, Sunday School teachers, and were involved in mission trips.

Jim and Judy moved to Howard City after retiring in the early 2000s and built a beautiful lake house themselves. They also started to winter in St. Pete Beach, Florida and bought a condo there.

After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2019, they made the painful decision to sell their forever home in Howard City and move to Lexington, Ky. to live near their daughter, Tammy, so she could help with Jim’s condition.

Jim loved golfing, fishing, building his lake house and doing other projects Judy found for him around the house. Above all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife, Judy; daughter, Tammy and husband Mike Leal; son, Tony and wife Nancy DeGrand; grandchildren, Jake and Jack Leal, and Tim, Tyler, Megan, Sean, and Katelyn DeGrand; brothers, Jerry, Bob, Don, and Ron DeGrand; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Nardi and Marlaine Mannebach, and several loved nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Tom DeGrand; and brothers-in-law, Tony Nardi and Tom Mannebach.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 29 at First Presbyterian Church, 819 1st Ave S., Escanaba, from 10 a.m. until the time of military honors at 11:45 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow at noon with Pastor Daniel VanBeek and Pastor Dave Henderson officiating. At the conclusion of the service, a meal will be served in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michigan Disabled American Veterans – Escanaba Vet Center, 301 N. 30th St., Escanaba, MI 49829 in Jim’s name.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the DeGrand family.