James "Jim" Walter Grabski

James “Jim” Walter Grabski, 83, of Plainfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 26, surrounded by his loved ones. Jim was born in Hammond, Indiana, on May 17, 1943, to James and Alice Grabski. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, and his stepson. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Marylise Theresa Grabski; and her children, Kimberly and Robert J. Sexton, whom he loved as his own, as well as two sisters. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Amanda and Brian Roskey; Joseph and Amanda Crosley; and Colten Sexton and Emma Thompson, along with six great-grandchildren. Jim graduated from East Chicago Washington High School and went on to live a diverse and accomplished life. He attended school at Purdue University and completed its Reserved Officer’s Training Corps program, transferred to Indiana University and earned a master’s, and completed Army Officer Training in Washington, D.C. Proudly, Jim served his country from 1965 to 1972 as a Captain in the United States Army, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, Jim lived abroad in England, where he owned and operated a pub for two years. He returned to the United States in 1974 and dedicated 27 years to Northwood University, where he served as Dean of Management. As an investor, he also owned and raised thoroughbreds. In retirement, Jim rekindled his passion for watercolor and oil painting, becoming an accomplished artesian. His dynamic equine themes and Asian-inspired works were exhibited in Bloomington galleries, including The Venue Fine Arts and Gifts. Jim will be remembered as an officer and a gentleman by his beloved wife, and as a strong, resilient patriot with a tender side—especially when it comes to anything sweet, particularly his wife’s cookies, pies, and cakes. He was deeply shaped and softened by the love, devotion, patience, and understanding of his wife and family. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. While he is gone from our sight, he is carried with us every day in our hearts and will never be forgotten. His spirit is forever imprinted on the lives he touched through his devoted Catholic faith and the friendships he made. Donations in his honor can be made to Tunnel for Towers or Wounded Warriers, two of Jim’s favorite charities that he gave to every year. A visitation will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Monday, June 1st, 2026 from 10am-11:30, with the praying of rosary at 11:30. A funeral Mass will follow at 12pm. Burial will be held at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center/Mary's Children Cemetery immediately afterwards.

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James "Jim" Walter Grabski

May 17, 1943 - May 26, 2026