Grant Johnston Eldridge

Grant Eldridge February 20, 1959 – July 14, 2025 Grant Eldridge, 66, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, demonstrating incredible strength while facing cancer. A native of Kalamazoo, Grant was a devoted son, husband, stepfather, grandfather, and friend whose life was rich with curiosity, compassion, and quiet humor. The only child of Barbara and the late Larry “Sherm” Eldridge, Grant cared tenderly for his father in his final years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jessica Bell; his mother, Barbara Eldridge; his stepdaughter Angela, her husband David, and grandsons Owen and Aidan. He is lovingly remembered by his two aunts, Sharon and Harriet, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a large circle of close friends. Grant graduated from Kalamazoo College and pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Michigan and Canterbury College. A lifelong student of history—especially military history and battles—Grant was a voracious reader who found endless joy in books, approaching learning with deep curiosity, discipline, and enthusiasm. Grant spent much of his professional life as an editor with the Gale Group and authored a book on another lifelong passion—baseball. A man of many interests, Grant approached each with good-natured competition and quiet dedication. As a member of the Detroit Tennis Club, he brought the same thoughtful mastery to tennis that he applied to golf, bridge, and managing his beloved fantasy baseball team, the Baby Harp Seals. An ardent fisherman, Grant found his truest peace in the waters of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where his favorite spots remain his secret. A dedicated cat lover, Grant always found comfort in feline company, especially in his cat Halali. He had a sharp wit, a deep love of history—particularly military history—and an enduring fascination with strategic re-enactments of historical battles. He also loved to cook, happily experimenting with new recipes and finding joy in the kitchen, where he delighted in sharing his creations with friends and family. Though he detested yardwork, he did it lovingly for Jessica. Grant was a proud anglophile and a patron of the arts, especially the Detroit Opera and public broadcasting. Despite a dislike of flying, he became a keen travel companion, sharing in Jessica’s love of exploration and visiting family across the world. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019, Grant lived five more vibrant years before facing a secondary cancer with grace and resolve. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to share in his warmth, wisdom, and humor. A celebration of Grant’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Detroit Public Television 48325 Alpha Drive Ste. 150, Wixom, MI 48393, NPR PO Box 791490, Baltimore, MD 21279-1490, the Detroit Opera 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit, MI 48226 or Alliance for the Great Lakes 150 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601. Arrangements entrusted with Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, Westland. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

Grant Johnston Eldridge

February 20, 1959 - July 14, 2025