James Willard Grace

James W. Grace passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on May 9, 2025 at the age of 87. Born in Butte, Montana, Jim was the son of Willard and Katherine Grace.

He graduated from Sacramento Senior High in 1957 and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Sacramento State University in 1962. Jim began his career at Aerojet General and Boeing, later transitioning into sales and entrepreneurship. He worked selling insurance with Mutual of Omaha, lumber wholesale, and founded Grace Enterprises with his wife Jeannie, which led to owning a dry-cleaning business “Y” Pay Mor in Bellevue, WA. He later discovered a passion for real estate with John L Scott earning top honors as a residential and commercial broker.

Jim loved golf, travel, dancing, and horse racing—most notably with his thoroughbred, More Zest. After moving to Florida in 2017, he became a proud member of Tiger Point Golf Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, James Grace.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Jeannie Grace; his brother Robert Grace; children Steven Grace, Debra Devine, and Laura Arnold (Joel); stepchildren Bill Sticklen (Robin) and Shelliann Bowne (Craig); 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, Smile, work ethic, and deep love for family and Country.