James Martin Grant of Carbondale
James Martin Grant, 84, of Carbondale passed away at 9 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale surrounded by the love of family and close friends. He leaves a legacy of deep love.
He was born Dec. 17, 1941, in Pensacola, Fla., to Lewis Bruce Grant and Margaret Allen (Fillingim) Grant.
He married Hazel Jo Smithco on June 8, 1970. They celebrated over 55 years of marriage together.
He is survived by his loving wife, Hazel, of Carbondale; three sons, J. Tobin (Carolyn) Grant of Carbondale, Matthew A. (Danielle) Grant of Valdosta, Ga., and Jonathan W. (Terietta) Grant of Seattle, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Stephen “Phen” (Kelsey), Jackson, Justin, Caden, Simon, Amelia and Mason Grant; his brother William (Linda) Grant, sister Darlene Mosley; and a niece, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ava Grace Grant.
He is remembered by his family and friends for his bellowing laugh, quick wit, sharp mind and, most of all, enormous heart. Each of them knew how much they were loved and loved him in return.
He was a graduate of Pensacola High School and Toccoa Falls College. He received a bachelor's and master's degree in history from Samford University. He earned a master's and Ph.D. in history from the University of Georgia.
He had a long career in Christian ministry and higher education. As a pastor and university president, he is remembered for his visionary leadership. He was ordained in the Christian & Missionary Alliance (C & MA) when he served at East Lake Alliance Church in Birmingham, Ala. He served as a professor and administrator at Toccoa Falls College, in editorial roles for the publishing arm of the C & MA, as the senior pastor at York Alliance Church in York, Pa., for 10 years, and as the 12th president of Simpson University in Redding, Calif., where he served for 13 years. In 2016, Simpson University honored his service by naming its student life center the James M. Grant Center. Following his retirement from full time work and ministry, he volunteered in the Morris Library archives and taught courses at Southern Illinois University. He did not consider himself truly retired until August of last year, completing over 71 years of continual working.
He was a Rotarian for over 30 years. He was an active member of Carbondale Rotary and remained an honorary member of Rotary Club of Redding, Calif.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Carbondale, where he sang in the choir, taught classes and served in lay leadership.
His family and friends are comforted by their assurance that he is now in the arms of his Savior, who has welcomed him home: “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25).
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. in First United Methodist Church, Carbondale. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 10 a.m. A private inurnment will take place at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Murphysboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Grant Family Scholarship at Simpson University in Redding, Calif.
Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory, visit meredithfh.com.