John C. Grisham 1945-2025

A proud Southerner, John was born Oct. 19, 1945, in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in Nashville, a stone’s throw from the legendary music venue, The Blue Bird Cafe.

John was an avid learner who had an encyclopedic knowledge, ranging from the natural sciences to history and geography to poetry (making him a coveted Trivial Pursuit partner during Thanksgiving matches). He could be asked about virtually anything and would provide an insightful, educated answer.

He was a cadet at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, attained his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, and his MBA at the Thunderbird School of International Management.

During his military service, he was at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, becoming fluent in Portuguese, and would offer an occasional “obrigado!” thanks.

John proudly served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972. It was during active duty in Nürunberg, Germany, that Captain Grisham met the love of his life, Sandy Henry, at the officers’ club, dancing the night away.

John went on to become the president of Buckeye Industrial Mining, where his leadership and vision left a lasting impact on the energy industry. He served on the boards of directors of the Mining and Reclamation Council of America, the National Coal Association and the National Mining Association. John was chairman of the coal industry’s political action committee, COALPac, and he served as chairman of the industry’s Joint Committee on Surface Mining Regulation, bringing together the industry’s technical expertise for environmental performance and land reclamation.

He was an avid consumer of the news, highly politically engaged and shared his strong views vehemently with all.

John was a maverick who had a strong, charismatic and generous personality. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a passion for professional mentoring.

His love of music began in his childhood, as he grew up listening to his exceptionally talented siblings play Chopin, and later shared many living room rock-out sessions with his daughters.

He could whip up a spicy Skyline Chili, a family favorite, was a legendary neighborhood grill chef, and loved feeding his daughters and their friends. He enjoyed the camaraderie and lively discussions of his Saturday morning men’s coffee.

Family vacations were dear to John, with decades of trips to Fort Fisher and the Carolina coast, where he and his family enjoyed barefoot walks to the diner, seafood boils and chasing ghost crabs under the moonlight.

John was a Dr. Doolittle, with a lifelong love of animals. Whether feeding raccoons, nursing injured birds back to health or caring for the family’s beloved pets, including Poco Finale, Grendel, Tiffany, Carlotta, Simon, Chula and Willy Willy (his feline “son”), John always had a special connection to the “critters” of the world.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Katella Grisham, and his revered brother, Andrew.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sandy; the lights of his life, his daughters, Jessica (Travis) and Jamie; his grandchildren, Violet, Eliza and Gabriel Conrad; his cherished sister, Linda (Gene) Laughlin; and much-loved nieces and nephews and their children.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Barbara Mackey and Bob Fulton for their compassionate and consistent care throughout John’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Animal Charity Humane Society, 8469 Southern Blvd., Building 3, Youngstown, OH 44514, in honor of John’s lifelong love of animals.

Family and friends may call 3 to 4:50 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the Fox Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m., officiated by Pastor Greg Calko.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the family.

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