James R. Grace, "Jim", passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2021. Jim was born on January 26, 1935 in Los Angeles to Willoughby Thomas Grace (W.T.) and his wife Helen. He was eleven years old when the family started a small chocolate shop in San Pedro, California which became Helen Grace Chocolates, to which he would devote much of his life.He met his wife, Bobbe Ruth Hines, when they were both students at Long Beach City College. Jim finished his degree at USC in 1957 with a BS in Business. They had four children: Penny, Lori, Jimmy and Billy. His life was not without tragedy, he was blinded in a compressor explosion in their ice cream factory when he was only 26 years old. Despite his loss of eyesight, he went on to lead Helen Grace Chocolates to many successes, and even served as the president of the Retail Confectioners International (RCI). Second, and even more difficult, was the loss of their beloved son James Robert Grace, Jr.Without complaint, Jim moved forward despite his losses and poured his strength, talents, and energy into his family, businesses, and adventures. He deeply enjoyed boating and fishing, and was an avid hunter which lead to his development of a game ranch in Texas. Jim considered obstacles as problems to be solved and although legally blind, he never lost true vision. Jim became a farmer during the second half of his life, developing an avocado ranch in the Ventura County. He was a perpetual optimist and jokester; an innovator who enjoyed new business projects and loved mentoring young people. Jim and Bobbe were married 64 years, and together they built a life of true partnership. He loved his family dearly and was a generous friend, husband, father, and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his father, WT Grace, his mother Helen Grace Seymour, his son, "Jimmy" and his son-in-law, John Craviotto. He is survived by his wife Bobbe, his children, Penny Morlan, Lori Craviotto, Bill and Tere Grace, his brother Gary Grace, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.A memorial service will be held on May 15th.

Published in Los Angeles Times from Apr. 28 to May 2, 2021.

Published in Los Angeles Times from Apr. 28 to May 2, 2021.