Jim Grady, 68, passed away on October 13, 2025.
James Lee “Jim” Grady of Stone County, Missouri went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy Treat Grady, whom he married July 3, 1982, as well as his sister, Gloria Grady. They were blessed to be with him as he departed for his heavenly home.
Jim was born to the late Rev. W. Lee Grady. Jr. and Melva “Jean” (Knight) Grady on November 5, 1956 in Waco, Texas. Jim was musically gifted from a young age and began taking piano lessons at age 5. He played trombone in marching bands, learned the ukelele from his Miami Beach born father and played the lead role in his high school’s production of The Music Man.
He attended Baylor University where he majored in music with an emphasis in Voice. While there he produced his first album with his life-long friends, entitled Brother to Brother.
Jim continued his musical endeavors after moving to the Branson, Missouri area. He especially enjoyed working with the Sons of the Pioneers early on and then later creating Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Show at The Shepherd of the Hills. He succeeded in getting Christmas on the Trail nationally broadcast for several years on PBS.
Although Jim had difficult health struggles the last several years, he was a “happy warrior,” kept his sense of humor and trusted in the Lord. He also really cherished reconnecting with family and friends and was very grateful for the prayers and support of everyone.
Services for Jim will be Friday, October 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, 1638 E. State Hwy 76, Branson with a celebration of Jim's life to follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Rebecca Baker’s Support Fund at gofundme.com. https://gofund.me/f63ae2ab2
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