OLATHE – James P. "Jim" Grett, age 84, a dairyman and farmer, who had been
A resident of Olathe since 1949, died Monday morning, June 4, 2001 in the Montrose
Memorial Hospital at Montrose.
James P. Grett, the youngest of 12 children, was born in Cheney Kansas on July 7, 1916,
the son of Elmer E. Grett and Mary (Rice) Grett. Jim spent his childhood, received his education, and spent his early adulthood in Brandon Colorado.
On Jan. 11, 1937, Jim married the love of his life, Marjorie Boyd, for a lifetime partnership, at Eads Colorado. Their lives together became much richer when they became the parents of two sons and one daughter. Jim and Marjorie had the joy of sharing 64 years of marriage this year on Jan. 11.
Jim was a dryland farmer and milked 40 head of cows by hand. In February of 1949, the Grett family moved to Olathe, where Jim operated a large dairy and farmed in partnership with his wife, Marjorie, and his son, Jesse, until his retirement. Following his retirement, Jim resided at his home on the farm at Olathe until the time of his death. He was the last survivor of the 12 children born to his parents.
Jim belonged to the Soil Conservation for six years, Western Colorado Milk Producers from 1958 to 1980, Callaway Meat Packing, Inc. Board of Dirctors from 1959 to 1977, Olathe Fire-District Board for 12 years, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users for 43 years – serving at UVWU president from 1978 to 1994. He was awarded "FFA Honorary State Farmer" in 1958 and was a member of the Grand Junction Moose Lodge and BPOE Elks for many years.
The loves and joys of Jim's life that brought him happiness were his occupation, his family, reading, and learning.
Surviving family members very grateful to share Jim's live include his beloved wife Marjorie Grett; one son, Jesse Grett and wife Doreen; one daughter, Joy Harris, all of Olathe; one daughter-in-law, Bobbie Grett, of Lakewood; and three sisters-in-law.
Jim was the proud grandfather of 12 precious grandchildren,, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nephews and nieces - most of which Jim taught how to drive a tractor and milk cows.
Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents; all of his brothers and sisters; one grandson, Jeffrey Grett; one granddaughter, Dawn Conner; one son, James L. Grett; and one son-in-law, Gene Harris.
At Jim's request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned
Memorial contributions may be made to : Dawn Conner Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Jim Grett, Community First National Band, 401 E. Main, Montrose, CO 81401 or Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, in memory of Jim Grett, PO Box 1804, Montrose CO 81402.
Arrangements were handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home/Crematory & Grand View Cemetery of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.