James ”shorty” Grages

James A. “Shorty” Grages, age 62, of New Philadelphia died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.A son of the late John A. and Florence Metzger Grages, Jim, was born on July 27, 1949, in the family home, where he lived his entire life. Jim was a graduate of New Philadelphia High School and for the past 30 years he has served the Times Reporter as a newspaper delivery driver, ensuring each carrier was well supplied every morning. He was known as a quiet individual whose true passion in life was sports, and sporting statistics, as a younger gentleman, he enjoyed golfing and bowling. For many years, he was well known for his true passion, coaching and umpiring for the New Philadelphia Little League.He is survived by three nieces, Lori (Jim) Patterson of North Port, Florida, Connie (Vince) Pace of Idaho, and Clara Ann Grages of Mineral City; three nephews, Jeff (Sherri) Grages of New Port News, VA, Billy (Haley) Grages of Stone Creek and Bobby (Susan) Grages of Mineral City.Numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive.In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by three brothers; John, Kenny and Dale Grages.The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 24, 2011, one hour prior to services, from 10:00 â?? 11:00 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Frank Sapp, Jr. will lead a funeral service for Jim on Saturday at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be directed to the the New Philadelphia Little League c/o Tuscora Park, 161 Tuscora Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.