James Rosemond Grate

Mr. James Rosemond Grate, affectionally known as “Jimmy,” was born on December 23, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Randolph Grate and Carolyn Grate.  He departed this life on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.

James grew up in the Five Points area of Columbia and was educated in the public schools of Richland County where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1957.  He continued his education at South Carolina State College and the University of South Carolina.

James was a devoted member of Community Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for 30 years where he championed the Community C.M.E. Teens After School Program in partnership with Ebenezer Lutheran Church, taught youth Sunday school, served as a dedicated Trustee and was the chairperson for the Men’s Day Program for many years.

During the earlier part of his working career, James worked at the Ohio State Bar where he was employed as a legal researcher.  He also worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Holiday Inn as an executive housekeeper.  He later worked as a sexton for several churches in Columbia to include Incarnation Lutheran Church and Ebenezer Lutheran Church from which he retired.  James had a long and memorable career; mentoring, partnering, and forming many lifetime friendships that he cherished.

James was a devoted husband and family man; he loved to cook and prepared the evening meal every day.  He especially enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings for family, loved grilling, and private catering.

James is predeceased by his former wife, Barbara Jean Johnson; daughters, Denise Means, Sharon Grate; brother, Fred (Ella) Grate; sister, Marian Grate; brothers-in-law, Charles Williams, and George Reynolds; mother-in-law, Earthaline Williams.

James leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife and best friend of 43 years, Patricia “Pat” Grate; daughters, Carolyn Davenport, Tammy (David) Robinson, Shirley (David) Grate, Lisa Grate; sons, Dennis Grate, Cory (Turquoise) Williams; sister, Marjorie Clisby; brother, Joey Seibels; aunt, Ada Hopkins; sisters-in-law, Ziola Jacobs and Linda Williams; loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family members, and friends.

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