James Grady

December 10th, 1929 – January 12th, 2021
James B. Grady
Passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, shortly after his 91st birthday.
Jim was tremendously loved and is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister, Janet Helmes (Bill); his children Sheri Piper (Kevin); Sue Trotta (Joe); Jim Grady (Kathy); Joe Grady (Lisa); his grandsons Jamie Grady (Christy); Brian Grady (Amber); Nathan Bridges (Tiffany); Tony Trotta; Mitchel Grady; Grant Grady (USN); Cody Royer and granddaughter Maria Vogt (Mike). As well as great grandchildren Logan Vogt, Mia Vogt, Ethan Grady, Natalie Grady, Caden Grady, Vinnie Trotta, Shay Bridges, Kellen Bridges, Vinnie DiFabio, Dominic DiFabio and MacKenzie Grady, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Throughout his long and faith-filled life Jim played many roles…a loving and devoted husband; supportive and proud father; adoring brother; doting Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a true and long-time friend to many, especially his best friend from high school Jim Timon and long-time former business partner and trusted friend Jack Hoeting.
He became a visionary leader in the real estate community, having served as the youngest President of the Cincinnati Real Estate Board at age 30. During his tenure, he was an advocate for civil rights and paved the way for the first minority real estate agent to be accepted to the Board in the early 1960s. He also received the prestigious Realtor of the Year Award in 1974 and was again honored when his son Jim won the same award 43 years later.
Jim was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. In 1954, after serving in the Army Counterintelligence Division at Fort Meade, Maryland, Jim worked full time and attended college in the evenings to complete his MBA from Xavier University through the GI Bill.
Jim followed in his father’s (Ben Grady) footsteps and joined Grady Realtors in the early 1950s. His innovation and insight grew the company from a one office six man company to a multi-state organization that developed many of the future leaders of the real estate industry. He became an icon in the real estate industry, who was known for his ability to lead, wisdom, humor, and above all his integrity.


In 1979, Jim was inducted into Xavier University’s Business Hall of Fame at the Cintas Center in recognition of his leadership in the region’s real estate industry and dedication to community service.

Jim’s retirement years were filled with community service and a series of travel adventures. He loved golf, Elder High School and cheering his beloved Muskies—Xavier University’s basketball team. He enjoyed reading history, listening to music (from classical to Willie Nelson to Renee Fleming), fishing, and lots of family gatherings.
He volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and St. Lawrence Church, and taught religious education classes at Elder. He was an avid supporter of Williams College of Business at Xavier University and the Wildlife Conservatory.
His travels included a pilgrimage with his wife Carol to Medugorje, Yugoslavia where the Blessed Mother has been appearing since 1981; a fishing trip to Alaska with his son Joe; a trip to Italy’s Amalfi coast with his son-in-law Joe Trotta; trips to the Southwest to visit his daughter Sheri’s family in Tucson, Arizona; a fishing trip to Costa Rica with his longtime fishing buddies Tom Smith and Charlie Hyde; and many trips to the family “Farm” in Indiana where the Grady clan would celebrate spring, summer and autumn weekends together.
Jim’s kind and loving heart touched the lives of many. He was there in times of joy and in times of struggle. Always ready to take the time to listen—as a deeply caring husband, father, friend or business leader.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful “Angels” at Artis Senior Living Bridgetown, Queen City Hospice and to Marie and Joan with Home Helpers.
SERVICE INFO: A public Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 held at St.Teresa of Avila Church. Streaming of the mass will be available one hour after services on the St. Teresa website (https://stteresa-avila.org/) Social distancing is expected. Masks are required. Radel Funeral Home serving the family, 451-8800.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cheering for Charity (www.cheeringforcharity.org) or Artis Senior Living Bridgetown, 5799 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45248.