JAMES GRISLEY

James "Jim" Grisley passed away on Sept. 23, 2025 at the Deaconess Illinois Center in Marion, Illinois. Burial was at the Johnston City Lakeview Cemetery alongside his son Gabriel, who preceded him in death.

Jim was born in 1947 on the family farm where he spent most of his life on Liberty School Road in Williamson County. His primary schooling years were spent at Pittsburg Grade School and then moving on to high school at Marion.

Upon graduation from high school Jim joined the US navy in 1965 and after boot camp in San Diego, California was assigned to the USS Bonhomme Richard aircraft carrier in the Pacific region. This was the same US navy ship that his older brother John served on seven years earlier. The USS Bonhomme Richard spent long periods of time off the coast of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

After discharge from the Navy in 1968, Jim attended the now-named University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana along with his brother John. After a couple of semesters, Jim transferred to SIU. During this period, Jim also started working in a number of technical areas including carpentry, brick laying, plumbing and electricity.

Employment in these crafts soon ended his efforts to attain his university degree. During this period, Jim also commenced farming with Luther Dale "Dutch" Anderson. This working relationship lasted for more than 20 years and was a high point in life for both Dutch and Jim.

A chance visit to a neighboring farmer in 1977 changed Jim's long term interest in life. The farmer gave Jim a small hand hewn log structure that he and his brother Bill moved to his farm. This started a lifelong interest in the material culture of historical log structures that were built in Southern Illinois during the early and mid-1800s.

Over the succeeding years, Jim scouted out log houses and barns all across Southern Illinois. Many of the log buildings that he found were eventually dismantled and moved to his farm and reconstructed there for the purpose of preserving them. This was no easy task and the effort took place over many years.

When available, Jim's nephew Joe McCandless, brother-in-law Mike Livesay and brother Bill also assisted. The end result was the establishment of a village of 1800 historical hand hewn log structures. Jim named this village "Olde Squat" after the name of the first permanent log structure in Williamson County, which was referred to as "Olde Squat Church," and was originally constructed just to the east of Pittsburg Village in the early 1800s.

Olde Squat was later converted to a B&B in conjunction with his companion Katy Lockwood. This B&B now stands as a testament to Jim's interest and efforts to preserve historical log structures that were built during the 1800s. His hope was that these structures would be preserved for future generations to observe, enjoy and learn from.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Mabel (Willhite) and Joe Grisley and a brother Joey (1940s) and sister Rosalie (2023).  He is survived by his older siblings Mary Ellen Grisley, John Grisley (Judy), Kay Thomas (Jerry) and Bill Grisley and his younger sister Nancy Livesay (Mike).

Jim's nieces and nephews include Lisa Groves, Joe McCandless, Kevin McCandless, Roger McCandless, Lynn Jackman, Dawn Grisley, Becky McCarville, and Jennifer Livesay. Grand nieces and nephews include Terry and Tony McCandless, Gena Rose Farmer, Gabriel McCandless, Forest McCandless, Sam McCandless, Cory McCandless, Megan McCandless, Grayson Jackman, Lane Jackman, and Lucas Livesay. Jim also has a number of great-grand nieces and nephews.

Jim's companion Katy Lockwood was a big part of his life, as she was a major driving force in the establishment of Olde Squat B&B and its operation, especially in her preparation of breakfast for guests and her artistic talents. Her son Dan Lockwood (Sarah) and children Jazmine, William and Oliver were a big part of Jim's life.

Jim and Katy had guests from almost all US states and many foreign countries at the B&B over the years. Evidence of these guests' visits is on display by the numerous automobile license plates that where later sent by post to Jim by the guests. These plates adorn the wall on the veranda of the main cabin.

Jim was also involved in the establishment of the Otey-Grisley Nature Preserve located along Fowler Road and the Grisley Woods Land and Water Reserve located along Liberty School Road.

Funeral services and arrangements were provided by Murman and Wilson Funeral Home. Gravesite military rites were performed by the Carterville American Legion, Herrin American Legion, the Herrin VFW and the Navy Burial Honors team at Lakeview Cemetery. Father Francis of St. Paul's of Johnston City provided the catholic services.