To the editor:
I am a former resident of Peterborough who knew Jim Grant for approximately 60 years. When I recently heard that he had passed away, I immediately said to my wife, “There is another major loss in Peterborough and the Monadnock region.”
Jim was one of those people who helped me develop my volunteer spirit. His dad and my dad worked at Noone’s Mill. Every since I can remember, Jim always encouraged others and supported them with whatever activity they were involved in. I can always remember him saying, “Never forget where you came from.”
Although he became very successful, his major successes were his family, his love for Peterborough and his sincere empathy for others less fortunate. When I would return home to visit Peterborough, I would see Jim, John Franklin, Dick Dunning, and Roland Patton at Nonies. He would always say, “Jimmy, sit down with us.”
He encouraged me to go to college. In 1971, prior to my going into the Army, Jim hired me as a substitute teacher at Temple Elementary. At that time I saw Jim’s true passion for children. I can remember him saying, “I want the kids to be treated fairly and encouraged.”
Jim would also say, “Jimmy, you’re coming back for Memorial Day, aren’t you?” His tone emphasized that although I had been gone from Peterborough for since 1971, it is still my home.
Finally, his greatest attribute was his uncanny ability to see a need, plan a strategy to meet the need and solicit people to get the job done. No matter what part you played in the project, you were extremely important. Also, when he was helping less fortunate folks, he did it in a way that they did not feel that they were receiving a handout.
Although, Jim is gone, we will meet again some day.
Donald J. (Jimmy) Smith
Sun City Center, Florida