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James Lee Grigson

December 28, 1955 –
 September 24, 2022

Obituary

James Lee Grigson, age 66, of Denton, Texas died peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Lee was born in Dallas, Texas to Mary Lee Stone Grigson (later Mrs. Harry J. Strief, Jr.) and James Paul Grigson on December 28, 1955. He graduated from Richardson High School (Class of 1974) and Austin College (Class of 1978). Lee started his career as an oil and gas landman and investor in Dallas and Oklahoma City, then moved to Midland, Texas in 1981. Lee married his wife, Susan McGrael Grigson, on May 14, 1983. They lived in Midland until retiring and moving to Denton, Texas in 2019. Lee’s parents, stepfather Harry J. Strief, Jr., and stepbrother Paul Strief preceded Lee in death. He is survived by his wife; sister Vicki Ready (husband Richard) of Flower Mound, TX; their sons Zack Ready (wife Taylor) of Grapevine, TX, Isaac Ready (wife Meredith) of Highland Village, TX, and Joseph Ready (wife Danielle) of Frisco, TX; aunt Patsy Clarke of Villa Rica, Georgia; sister-in-law Katie Strief of McKinney, TX; brother-in-law Patrick McGrael (wife Janelle) of Fairview, TX; sister-in-law Shannon Dalton of Dallas, TX; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom he dearly loved. Lee was a modern Renaissance man. Lifelong passions include national parks, books, history, golf, airplanes, firearms, hunting, hiking, fishing, travel, photography, art, museums of all sorts, and John Wayne. Energy spent playing tennis, sailing, water skiing, and gardening in his younger years shifted to new passions sporting clays, wine collecting, investing, and Africa. Lee was a life member of the Dallas Safari Club. Lee radiated a positive and loving attitude, sharing much of his life with everyone he met – his passions, his discoveries, and his knowledge. This kind and generous man encouraged us to pursue our own passions – be curious, learn, and explore for ourselves. Doctors diagnosed Lee with glioblastoma brain cancer in October 2021. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the staff members at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Fit-N-Wise Argyle Rehab Clinic, and to our dear home caregivers Ana Garcia and Renay Brown, whose care turned around Lee’s initial severe symptoms and provided him nine good months of precious time hanging out with loved ones and pursuing his varied interests. The family would also like to thank his friends, extended family members, and the numerous prayer groups who lifted us up with love, prayers, visits, cards, and phone calls. There will be a private family service later this year. Please direct memorials to Angel Flight South Central, www.angelflightsc.org, email info@angelflightsc.org, (972) 755-0433, PO Box 2207, Addison TX 75001 or a charity of your choice.

    Stephen Wiesenfeld
    18 Oct 2022
    2:00pm

    Susan, Jann, Lee, and I are sorry for your loss. I remember with fondness walking our dogs together with Lee. He always had a natural, winning charm. He will be greatly missed.

    Ray MCKim
    19 Oct 2022
    8:37am

    Susan- so sad for your loss. I am sorry Lee and I did not connect with each other after he left Midland and me to San Angelo. Lee and I were good friends as to our land experiences- He single handedly “took down” the tight land manager cliche in Midland for us independent landman. He enjoyed hole in the wall Mexican food joints, most of watch I was not impressed. A person of great integrity and very well respected and one who enjoyed life. Ray McKim

    Alison & Bruce Peeler
    31 Dec 2022
    6:14pm

    Susan, our hearts break for you and this massive loss. When we think of Lee, we will always remember his engaging and loving kindness towards so many people. Grateful we were recipients of his friendship! Prayers surround you!

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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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