James Martin Grant

James Martin Grant, 84, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away at 9:00 am, Friday, April 10, 2026, in 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, Florida., 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, Georgia, and Jonathan W. (Terrietta) Grant of Seattle, Washington; 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 Marie 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, Alabama. 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, Pennsylvania for ten years, and as the 12th president of Simpson University in Redding, CA, where he served for thirteen 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 thirty years. He was an active member of Carbondale Rotary and remained an honorary member of Rotary Club of Redding, California.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Carbondale, Illinois, 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 11:00 am in First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, Illinois. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 10:00 am. A private inurnment will take place at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Murphysboro, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Grant Family Scholarship at Simpson University in Redding, California.

Additional remembrances can be found in a statement by Simpson University and a video by York Alliance Church. There is an in-memory page at Simpson University with information on giving to the Grant Family Scholarship fund.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory, visit www.meredithfh.com.