Thomas Michael Grisham, 77, of Springfield, Illinois died October 10, 2024. Tom was born September 23, 1947, in Granite City. He was the only child of Donald Maynard Grisham and RoseMarie (BoDine) Grisham. They moved to Meredosia when Tom was a toddler.

Tom attended Meredosia-Chambersburg schools. He played tuba in the band and was active in sports, playing football, basketball and softball. Tom graduated from high school in 1965.

He continued his education at Bradley University where he earned a bachelor's in mechanical technology – a combination of engineering and business programs.

After graduation, Tom held positions in design, research and management in manufacturing companies in Michigan, Missouri, and Illinois. In his last corporate position, he traveled to countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. In 1994, he presented his published study relating to cost reduction in polymer post manufacturing at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers conference in Paris, France.

The joys of Tom's life were his two daughters, Colleen Renee (Grisham) Fuller and Christine Grisham, and a son-in-law, Jason Fuller who all survive.

Tom enjoyed working on cars. He especially liked taking drives in his '57 Bel Air and his '67 red Corvette convertible.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Grandmother Edith Stanford, Grandfather Ira BoDine, step-grandmother Fern BoDine, grandfather Thomas Grisham, grandmother Cora (Souers) Baugher, and step-grandfather Horal Baugher.

He is also survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Julie (Smith) Grisham, and a special cousin, Clark "Doug" Schiefen of Joliet.

Tom was initiated into Masonry July 16, 1970, and raised to Master Mason, on July 6, 1976, in Missouri. He held several chairs in Masonry, including a total of seven years as Worshipful Master of his lodge in Saint Charles, Illinois. Tom was a Certified Lodge Instructor and greatly enjoyed being a mentor to men who joined Masonry.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Heartland Hospice. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.