James Charles Grande, age 68, of Haddon Heights, NJ passed away on February 20, 2025. Born in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late Frances Marie  (Dawson) and Charles James Grande. He graduated from McKean High School in 1974 participating in football, track and the chess team.  He completed his University of Delaware degree in Chemical Engineering in 1978.  It is noteworthy to mention through Jim's focus and determination he completed the challenging Chem E curriculum in four years while experiencing the loss of his mother and father to cancer.  After his graduation from college, he lovingly became the Legal Guardian to raise his 7-year junior brother.

Jim went on to work 17 years in project management as Ordinance Manager at Morton Thiokol where he held several patents.  His most notable project development was the Star 75 satellite rocket motor which deployed from the Space Shuttle.  He was recipient of the NASA AMPTE Achievement Award.  He left his aerospace engineering career and became inspired to develop a home-based business with Watkins Inc. He remarked that it would give him more time to spend with his young son.  Working the business 10 years he reached President's Club, their highest level for recognition in sales.

While with Watkins Jim was featured in prestigious business magazines as Business Start-Ups and on the cover of Success Magazine.  For his accomplishments he was awarded many world-wide destination trips as Australia, Barbados, Jamaica, New Zealand and Italy.  Jim went on to enjoy the study of law, advocating for the rights of those in need of help in the community, and acting as a pro se litigant while living in Philadelphia and Haddon Heights.

Jim spoke eloquently to large audiences at aerospace symposiums, Watkins International Business Conferences and Cornell University.  He volunteered over the years with the St. Mary of Assumption RCIA team and the Newark Lightning Special Olympics Basketball team.

Jim was fond of the ocean whether wind surfing, canoeing, playing sand volleyball or sitting under an umbrella at Dewey Beach with family.  He once said he prayed best while looking out at the ocean.

He felt being a Father and Pop-Pop was his greatest accomplishment and loved every moment they spent together over the years.  He loved gardening, nutrition, big extended family dinners, playing chess & sudoku, and we will miss his sense of humor.  At age 60, he fought and won his battle with colon cancer, and was in remission.

Jim is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Nate Grande and Nicole Poloniewicz; his grandson, Dominic and a second grandchild on the way; his brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Barbara Grande; and his nephew, Matthew Grande. In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Edwin Kove.  He held special ties with his extended Beck, Grande and Hohman families.

A visitation will be held on March 8th, Saturday, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 12:30 PM at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will be open to the public and held Monday, March 10th, at 1PM at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington DE 19808. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to mealeyfuneralhomes.com.