James J. Grady

Jim earned a degree in Economics and Finance in 1973 at Millikin University. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and a standout on the swimming team, where his performance led to his 1996 induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 2008, Jim purchased Kopetz Mfg., LLC where he serves as President/CEO. Kopetz Mfg. fabricates pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and similar industrial products for the chemical and natural gas industries. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer of Behnke & Co., and prior to that was Executive Vice President for WIT & Co. Jim was an Army veteran serving as an infantry officer with the 82nd Airborne Division and currently is retired.

Jim is married to Carin Harner Grady, Class of 1973, who is the daughter of deceased emeritus trustee G. William Harner, Class of 1947, and Jean “Fuzzy” Sutherd Harner. Many members of the Harner and Sutherd family are Millikin graduates dating back to 1918. Jim and Carin have two adult daughters who are Millikin Legacies. Katherine “Katie’ Grady Weatherford graduated in 2004, and Callie Harner Grady graduated in 2008. Katie’s husband Luke Weatherford graduated from Millikin in 1997. Jim’s hobbies include golf, skeet shooting and bird hunting. He and Carin enjoy spending time at their second residence in Boca Grande, Florida.