The Reverend Jim Grant, whose religious journey led him from a Southern Baptist upbringing, through many years of American Baptist ministry, and finally to UU ministry at age 61, died on 6 January 2024, aged 88 (1935-2024).
Jim Grant was one of the gentlest souls ever to enter UU ministry. His deep pastoral presence, insightful preaching, self-effacing humor, lovely singing voice, twinkling eyes and ready smile made him a beloved joy to colleagues and congregations alike. His commitment to interim ministry was guided by a clear vision for the needs of transitional service; congregations appreciated his unpretentious integrity and generosity of spirit.
James Edward Grant was born on 20 June 1935 in Asheville NC, the third of four children, and raised in a large Southern Baptist church with an active, multi-age religious education program. He sang in church choirs from the time he was a young child and participated in the church’s drama group.
Supporting himself after high school with part-time religious education positions in small churches, Jim earned an associate degree from Mars Hill College, a B.A. from the University of Richmond VA in 1957, and an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville KY) in 1960. Back in Richmond, he completed an M.A. in history in 1962, and then served in the Southern Baptist ministry for 10 years.
As his own theology matured in a more liberal direction along with growing commitment to racial equality, Mr. Grant transferred his ministerial standing to the American Baptist Church. Serving ABC congregations in Massachusetts led Jim to ecumenical work with many UU clergy and to increasing appreciation of, and comfort with the UU tradition. When not on duty with the American Baptists, he often worshipped in UU spaces, including Kings Chapel and First Parish in Weston. Impressed by the UUA’s inclusive language and embrace of multiculturalism, he realized that UU ministry beckoned as the next “home” for his interests and professional abilities. Thus, in the summer of 1996, at age 61, he left 25+ years of professional ministry with the American Baptists, sought standing with the UUA, and relocated to Southern California.
The Rev’d Mr. Grant began his UU service with interim ministry (1996–98) at the UU Inland North County Fellowship (now merged since 2000 to form the Chalice UU Congregation in Escondido CA), during which the congregation’s life was greatly healed and stabilized. Moving on to the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara CA (1999–2001), his ministry again had a healing and energizing effect that grew the congregation’s numbers and helped it move toward a stronger future. Staff members felt a part of a positive, cooperative team and served as a model for the congregation.
Over the next decade, Jim Grant served interim and contract ministries in Southern California at the UU Fellowship of Laguna Beach (2001–03), the Coronado UU Church (2003–04), Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes (2004–05), the First UU Church of San Diego (2006), and the UU Fellowship of San Dieguito in Solana Beach (2007). Ranging farther afield, he extended his ministry to the UU Congregation of Las Vegas NV (2009) and finally to the UU Congregation of Santa Fe NM (2009–10).
In retirement, Jim continued his affiliate status with the First UU Church of San Diego, which he had joined in 1999, and over the years he offered strong pastoral assistance, occasional preaching, and much valued collegial friendship to that congregation’s succession of lead ministers—Tom and Carolyn Owen-Towle, Arvid Straube, Kathleen Owens, and Justine Sullivan—all of whom (except Carolyn) spoke at Jim’s memorial service. “He was the embodiment of Marge Piercy’s poem, ‘To Be of Use,’” said Kathleen Owens.
Throughout his career the Rev’d Mr. Grant was actively engaged in work outside the parish. He served on the board and finance committee of the Massachusetts Council of Churches and as president of the Massachusetts Commission of the United Ministries in Higher Education. In his UU years, he was a consultant for the UUA’s Pacific Southwest District and was active in the UUMA chapter. He worked with various community, civic, and non-profit organizations, and served as an officer and board member of the United Nations Association’s local chapter.
He enjoyed singing all his life and sang with various church choirs and choral groups. In his leisure time, he loved cooking, birdwatching, reading, and art.
At his death, Jim was survived by his spouse of 66 years, Betty Wyatt Grant, siblings Athol Grant and Mary Carolyn Kominowski, children Martha Grant Fuller and James Edward Grant Jr., grandchildren Elizabeth Fuller and Mikhael Fuller, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life (video link here) was held on 24 February 2024 at the First UU Church of San Diego. Donations to that church in Jim’s memory are encouraged. Notes of condolence may be sent to Jim’s daughter, Martha Fuller, at mfullerpnp@yahoo.com or 4842 Hart Dr., San Diego CA 92116.