James A. Grinenko

James A. Grinenko, age 90 of Plymouth Township passed away peacefully on November 15, 2022.   James was born on November 8, 1932, in Detroit. He is the beloved son of the late Andrew and Anna Grinenko.  He is survived by his brother, Donte.

James attended Fordson High School where he proudly wore the number 88 for the Fordson varsity football team. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and spent two years serving his country in the Second Armored Division, Hell on Wheels.

Upon discharge, he enrolled at Eastern Michigan University earning a bachelor’s degree in Education.

He married his wife, Nellie in 1955 and raised five children - Kimberly Grinenko, Kevin Grinenko (Christine) Susan Grinenko (Brian) Patrick Grinenko (Daria) and Katherine Grinenko; blessed with five grandchildren Zachary, Dominic, Lucy, Natahlia and Lincoln.

“Mr. G”, as he was known, was a fifth-grade school teacher for Plymouth Schools at Farrand Elementary for over 32 years. “Mr. G” always made learning multi-dimensional including hands-on projects for his students like rocket building and launching. His love for the outdoors poured into his classroom and included fishing field trips and decoy duck carving.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed walking the fields with his beloved hunting dogs, “Val” and “Bailey” on the look-out for the elusive ring neck pheasant or cotton tail rabbit. He enjoyed shooting trap, skeet and pistol as a member of the Western Wayne Gun Club. He was a long-time member of Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta, Michigan where he kept a summer home.

He leaves us with our hearts full, memories we will never forget and stories to share that will keep his spirit alive forever and always.

Family and friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 with visitation at 10:00 A.M and a Funeral Service at 10:30 A.M.