James P. "Phil" Grant

Batavia - James P. “Phil” Grant, 95, of Batavia, died Monday, April 2, 2018 at his home, in Batavia after a short illness.   Mr. Grant was born April 5, 1922 in Somerset, NY, a son of the late Arthur W. and Marion (Lum) Grant. He attended Maritime school, earning the rate of Master-Oceans and Great Lakes.  His achievements made him eligible for the rank of Captain.  He sailed the Great Lakes on crews of cargo freighters before and after WWII as well as ocean going ships carrying supplies for troops with the US Merchant Marines during WWII.  He was a Chief Mate on Liberty ships from 1944-1948 and was the youngest 1st Mate in the Merchant Marines during WWII.  He worked for GTE International and served as a General Foreman in Charge of Production at the GTE Sylvania plant in Batavia and was the superintendent of a 1 million sq. foot manufacturing plant in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria from 1977 to 1980. Mr. Grant was a former member of the Sertoma Club of Batavia and was an avid reader, bowler in the Sylvania Men's League, golfer and fisherman.  He had his first "Hole in One" at the age of 84. His wife, of 65 years, Dorothy L. (Lange) Grant, died February 15, 2014. Survivors include 4 children, Marcia (Byron) Harrington of Norwich, Michael J. Grant (Irma Cumminsky) of Batavia, Marilyn G. Mael of Batavia and Mitchell (Therese) Grant of San Diego, CA; 2 sisters, Patricia Berger of New York City and Jean L. Grant of CA; 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful companion Roxy.  He was the brother of the late Watson Grant. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018 at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia, where services will immediately follow a 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Batavia #166, 222 Richmond Ave., Rm 2-102, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  Arrangements are being completed by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com .