Matt Grams Obituary

Grams, Matt
Jerrold "Matt" Grams passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 14, one day before his 53rd birthday. He was born on March 15, 1961 in Kokomo, IN to Richard and Patricia (Smith) Grams. Matt graduated from Kokomo High School in 1979. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1981-1985. After the Air Force, he worked at Northrop in Chicago where he met his future wife, the love of his life. On October 24, 1987 he was married to Charlotte (Char) Reynolds in Chicago, IL and she survives. They moved to the Phoenix area in 1989 where he worked for M. Tec and most recently Torrent Resources where he was a much loved co-worker and much valued employee. He was the top salesman in the country in this industry. Matt and Char loved to travel and their favorite destinations were Hawaii, San Diego, Sedona, and Vegas. He loved mountain biking and was not above tricking people into longer rides than they had planned. He also enjoyed hiking and snorkeling. He was a loyal fan of IU basketball, Pacers and Colts along with new interests, Diamondbacks, Suns, and Cardinals. He is survived by his wife, Char, parents Dick and Pat Grams, brothers Kerry (Deirdre) Grams, and Tim Grams, and one sister Stacy (Dean) Miller, all of Kokomo, nephews Jeremy Grams, Findlay, OH, Justin (April) Grams, Clarksville, TN, niece, Rachel Miller, great niece Chloe Grams, St. Mary's, OH, great nephew Aedan Grams, Clarksville, IN, mother-in-law Dorothy Reynolds, Glendale, AZ, sister-in-law Donna Yagi, Denver, CO, brother-in-law Andy Reynolds, Glendale, AZ and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, a special cousin Mark Grams, Mesa, AZ, 3 much loved dogs who will all miss that ever present smile. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Sigmund and Victoria Grams, Jesse and Nellie Smith, 2 uncles Robert Grams and Dallas Smith, one aunt Gloria (Enie) Kratzer, 3 cousins, Keely Kratzer, Shawn Kratzer and Rhonda Liedoman. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. A visitation will be held Saturday, March 22 at Heritage Funeral Chapel 6830 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria 85381 from 12 PM - 2 PM with a funeral service to follow at 2 PM. Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heritagefuneralchapels.com.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Matt Grams

7 Entries

Kyle Baxter

April 18, 2014

Matt & I became good friends during our high school years at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, IN. We had many great times and many great memories. After high school we lost track of each other but reconnected at a recent high school class reunion. It was cool to find out that over the years we had both fallen in love with the Hawaiian Islands. Matt & his wife Char with the Big Island & I with Oahu. We would share our excitement and photos/information about our respective trips via Facebook. I'm dedicating my trip to Oahu in May to Matt. He'll be in my thoughts while I'm there. I'll ride some Hawaiian waves for him. Rest easy brah! I'll catch you on the other side! Aloha!

Tom Tedlock

March 25, 2014

Matt was a good friend! Thanks to Matt, Kerry, Stacy, Tim, Richard and Pat I enjoyed all the time I spent with all of you! Lots of memories. Wish I had spent more really enjoyed visiting Matt and Char at their house last June. Thanks to all of You! Tom Tedlock Palmer,Sycamore,KHS

Marta Waites-Schmitt

March 22, 2014

Matt and I not only went to school together we were good friends. We went to Palmer school together from our 1st to 5th grade then sycamore school for 6th to 8th grade then KHS Kokomo high school from 9th until graduating together. We lived on south McCann st by the seashore and Matt lived on Courtland. My thoughts and prayers are with Matt's family.

Geof Godlove

March 22, 2014

So sorry to hear of Matt's death. Our families lived & grew-up in the same neighborhood in Kokomo, IN. I first knew Matt from our neighborhood elementary, the old Palmer School. We were in a split-class with Mrs. Walters. Matt was in the 2nd grade & I in the 1st grade under Mrs. Maylah Walters. Matt & his familly lived two doors down from my cousins, The Croxfords, on Coutland. We lived over one block on Indiana, close to the old "Seashore!" Matt & I were attended the same elementary, middle school, dear old KHS (Kokomo High School) God give grace & mercy to his family. God bid Matt rest in peace.Amen. -geof godlove, kokomo, in.

Chris West Valley Hospital/ sitter

March 21, 2014

To Charlotte and Matt's family I wish you solace during this very sad time. Gods speed Matt

March 20, 2014

So sorry to hear about Matt's passing. We will keep Char and the entire family in our prayers.

Mark & Nancy Alfers - Avondale, AZ

Debbie Novinger (Kemp)

March 20, 2014

So deeply sorry to hear about Matt's passing! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family! May God bless you all in this time of sorrow!

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