James W. "Jim" Grap (1946-2019)

James William Grap, age 72 of Palmyra, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his adoring family on February 14, 2019.

Jim was born on November 17, 1946 in Catonsville, Maryland, son of the late William and Mildred Grap. He graduated from Catonsville Senior High School in 1965, and received his B.S. from the University of Baltimore and his MBA from Penn State Harrisburg. Jim was an Air Force Veteran, serving in the Vietnam War and was recognized for outstanding service. Jim relocated to Hershey where he began a distinguished career at the Hershey Company in 1976. He retired as the Director of Logistics after 38 years. Jim was a devout member of St. Joan of Arc Church. Jim was generous in life, always willing to give fully of himself. Family and friends knew Jim to have a quiet strength and lead by example. His greatest joy in life was his family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Grap of Palmyra, his children William Grap and wife Shannon, Elizbeth Fritz and husband Caleb, James Grap, Katie Needham and husband Keith, Emily Grap and Mary Ellen Grap, his grandchildren Avery and Evan Grap, Michael, Maria, Gabriel and Matthew Fritz. Jim is survived by his brother Edward Grap and wife Yvonne.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 19th from 5-7pm in the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory in Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 20th at 10:30am in his church at 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey. Interment with honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

​In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Morning Star Pregnancy Services, 3837 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA 17109. Visit www.hooverfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family. www.pennlive.com/obits