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James Hurst "Jim" Grass, 94, of Black Mountain, passed away at home on Thursday, August 24, 2017.
Mr. Grass was born on December 9, 1922, in Perry County, Indiana, to the late Paul A. and Ruth Hurst Grass. The family moved to Friars Point, Mississippi, when Jim was a year old, and his sister, Mary Margaret, was three. Jim volunteered for the US Army on his birthday in 1942 in order to stay at Mississippi State College (now Miss. State University). He was called to active duty in 1943 as a Private, serving in the US, England, and the European continent. He served during the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and in the Army of Occupation. In 1946, he completed foreign duty with the rank of First Sergeant and returned to Mississippi State.
In 1947, Jim started farming cotton on his own on rented land with one tractor and four mules. His endeavors were aided by six tenant families. Eventually he and his father combined their operations, and they worked together for many years.
During the summer of 1954, Jim met Evelyn Rivers Harlow. They married in 1955. They lived in Clarksdale where they raised their son Paul. Jim retired in December of 1982 from a happy and successful career as a farmer.
Jim and Evelyn moved to Black Mountain in 1994 and joined the Black Mountain United Methodist Church in 1996.
Active in Rotary for over thirty years, Jim was a Paul Harris Fellow. Their neighborhood around Dougherty Street enjoyed Jim's love for the land. For years he included several cotton plants in the neighborhood garden, as a nod to his Mississippi home and to the great interest of the local children who watched it grow each year.
Jim was a daily, beloved presence at his table at the Veranda Cafe, by far his favorite place to dine, meet with his favorite people, and connect with his community.
He was a cherished husband and father. Jim was a great gentleman and a treasured friend to all privileged to know him.
Mr. Grass was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Margaret Grass Cox. He is survived by Evelyn, his wife of 62 years and their son, Paul Rivers Grass, both of Black Mountain, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Harwood Home for Funerals, 208 West State Street, Black Mountain, is assisting the family. Visitation will be at Harwood Home for Funerals on Thursday, August 31 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
The Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, September 5, at 3:00 PM at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church Street, Black Mountain. Reverend Mike Macdonald of Black Mountain UMC and Reverend David Blackmon of First Baptist Church, Asheville, will officiate.
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, rather than sending flowers, please make memorial gifts to Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, P.O. Box 235, Black Mountain, NC 28711, or Griot Arts, Inc., 278 Sunflower Ave., Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614.

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