James F. Grattan

James Francis Grattan, a longtime Vermilion, Ohio resident, died on May 1, 2025 after a long illness. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 30, 1946, he was raised in Sheffield Lake, OH. Jim, aka Moe, graduated from Brookside High School in 1965 where he was a well renowned Cardinal’s football player. After high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and worked his entire career at the USS/Kobe Lorain Steel Mill.

“Captain Moe” was a lifelong fisherman who participated in many fishing tournaments and ran the fishing charter, The Eyes Have It, with his brother Paul. In the late 1960’s, he was a member of the Lorain County Underwater Recovery Team. When not out on Lake Erie, “The Captain” enjoyed watching movies and live sports while relaxing at home in front of his home entertainment system. He especially loved The Cleveland Indians/Guardians and The Pittsburgh Steelers. In his younger days, Moe was an avid rider of Harley Davison motorcycles.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Esther Grattan (nee Tabor), older brother Ralph Grattan, Jr., and his second ex-wife, Judith Konnerth (nee Raymond).

He is survived by his four children: Hope Evans (Bryan), Peter J. Grattan, Matthew Grattan, Joseph Grattan (Tina Smith); his grandchildren: Ashley Grattan, Stephen Grattan, Tyler Grattan, Samantha Tinch (Jacob), Zachary Grattan, Marianna Lopez Grattan; great-granddaughters: Aroura and Amelia; sister Joyce Thrusby (Mark); brother Paul Grattan (Shelly); niece and nephews: Sarah Grattan, Paul Grattan Jr., Tim Grattan; and his first ex-wife, Sheila Grattan (nee Kelly).

A private burial ceremony will be held this summer out on the lake that he loved. Cards and condolences can be forwarded to the family through the Dovin Funeral & Cremation Specialists, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, OH 44055.