Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
James Richard Grachek, 66, residing in Sandusky, passed on to his new favorite fishing spot with his Heavenly Host, early Friday morning, March 27, 2015 at Firelands Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
Jim was born on July 27, 1948 in Fremont, OH to the late Richard and Mercedes (Ziebold) Grachek.
Jim was a 1967 graduate of Fremont St. Joe's High School. He was a Veteran of the Army who proudly served his country from 1967 to 1970 and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and numerous other awards. After his time in the service, Jim was employed as a Park Ranger at East Harbor State Park. From there he was employed by Mantey's/Firelands Winery where he was the bottling room supervisor for many years. He was also a former security guard at Firelands Regional Medical Center and most recently Battery Park Marina where he retired in September of 2014. He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church where he formerly served on the Parish Council, a member of the American Legion, a former Boy Scout leader for St. Mary's Troop 7 where he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver and St. George Awards, a proud Eagle Scout recipient, a former Foster Parent, and a former Amvet baseball coach. He loved writing his fishing column for the Sandusky Register which led to Jim being know as, "Mr. Crappie". In his spare time, Jim loved fishing, especially with his "brother" Randy Phillips of Willard, camping, spending time with his family, and his best, furry-friend, Josie.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mary Anne (Pfefferle) Grachek, whom he married on February 13, 1971. He is also survived by his son, Brian Grachek of Sandusky; sister, Mary Dee Gilson of Rocky River; two sister-in-laws, Jane Pfefferle of Fremont and Cathy Stone of Okemos, MI.; four brother-in-laws, Tom (Nancy) Pfefferle of Sandusky, Bob (Julie) Pfefferle of Mathews, NC; Bill (Sue)Pfefferle of Willard and Steve (Nancy) Pfefferle of Fremont; his God-Daughter, Lori Kimberlin of Sandusky and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his half brother, Daniel Esker, his nephew Roman Esker, and his brother-in-law, J.R. Gilson.
Friends may call on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 10:00 am until the time of the Memorial service at 12:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky with the Rev. Jerald Fenske presiding. As Jim would prefer, please dress casual.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Jim's memory may do so to Holy Angels Bereavement Committee, 428 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870; or to Serving Our Seniors, 310 E. Boalt St. #A, Sandusky, OH 44870; or to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior St., Sandusky, OH 44870; or to Back To The Wild, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824.
Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
