RIP Jim

Amidst the chaos of planning last-minute details of the anniversary party and carrying out Mental Health Awareness Day at work, I received a text message from a past co-worker and friend telling me that our boss had passed away. I began working at Grabham's Candies in Cuyahoga Falls the summer before my senior year in high school and haven't stopped since. Even when I was away at college or grad school I came back at Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day and whenever I could to help out. The business was started by Jim's grandmother and everything there is handmade and delicious. Jim was the mastermind behind it all. He was constantly coming up with new recipes to try and they always turned out great.

I'll never forget when I first started working at Grabham's and I was absolutely scared to death of Jim. He was not a particularly intimidating guy, but the quiet, shy girl I was in high school was certainly unsure of this man. It may have taken me a bit of time and me coming out of my shell a bit, but I got on Jim's good side and we developed a good relationship where we could joke around and talk about our common interests (guitar and then eventually, our cats). Jim was always bringing pictures out into the store to show us of his new guitars or basses, Kitten doing silly things, or anything else we may have been talking about at the time. Jim was quite possibly the biggest eBay fanatic I have ever met, and that turned into our go-to Christmas gift for him each year. I will never forget the many feasts he made us for lunch on Christmas Eve each year or the cookies and donuts he would randomly buy us (as if the candy wasn't enough of a temptation!). I have so many memories of this man and his store, and it already feels strange to go in without him there.

Jim touched many lives and will be missed deeply by so many people in the community. The number of people at his calling hours in just the hour or so I was there is testament to the number of people he reached. I know it is going to be tough for his wife and daughter for some time, so if you are reading this please keep them in your prayers. They are a wonderful family with hearts for the people that work for them and the people they serve. I am honored and blessed to be part of the legacy that is Grabham's Candies and am looking forward to going back at Christmas this year to once again spread the joy of their wonderful chocolate! I only hope that Jim knew how much he meant to me and to so many others out there. Rest in Peace, Jim...I know I'll see you again one day.