Seawinds

James Paul Grant

"When you believe in something, the challenge of adversity is worth overcoming" said James P. Grant, referring to his ability to overcome his obstacles in order to help families overcome hardship.

James Paul Grant, more commonly known as “Jim,” is exactly what a funeral director should strive to be; passionate, dependable, and overwhelmingly patient.

Born on Aug. 15, 1961 near Pittsburgh, Jim moved to Florida when he was 16 years old. At a younger age he attended the funerals of relatives and became very impressed with the formality, ornamental features, and the overall mystery and clout that came with funeral homes. This event certainly sparked his interest in a life long passion of funeral directing, which never left Grant’s memory as a child. The funeral service seemed very important to him then, so it was only natural after high school and working for a few years that he looked for "something more important than bartending or waxing cars,” something that had always deeply touched his life.

He worked one year at a funeral home then moved to Miami to study Mortuary Science, pursuing his license as a funeral director and embalmer. Since receiving his license in 1987 he has worked as an embalmer, funeral director, casket sales representative, and funeral director in charge. His current position, since March of 2010, has been a manager with Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Sebastian, Florida.

Desiring a more complete and broader education, Grant earned his Bachelor's of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida, successfully completing a goal held since high school. He finds that this background benefits his contribution to the needs of the funeral business and the people he serves.

”Marketing is something more than just sales. It is consumer centered and driven. It coddles the needs and desires of the client and satisfies them with products and services we have to offer,” said Grant. “It forms a relationship of trust whereby the value of things being purchased becomes obvious,” added Grant.

Grant’s academic experience has helped him in more ways than one. Today, it aids him when making funeral arrangements.

To Grant, it is his duty to assist in creating the most honored and dignified form of tribute. So, during arrangements he listens first, absorbing the wants and desires of families. He then offers a wide range of products and services that families are interested in. Most unique of all is that he introduces new ideas that aid families in demonstrating their heartfelt sentiments towards their loved one.

"The goal is to capture the experience our client is looking for in a most satisfying way," said Grant, "It is to hear each client say they are glad they called us and would suggest us to a friend."

According to Grant, the well served family will see transparency and passion in every aspect of their service.

Grant also provides guidance in order to help families cope with their loss, believing that he can make a difference.

"Most people know what a funeral home is about, but we make a difference because we enjoy what is expected of us." said Grant.

What makes a modern day hero; strength, power, knowledge? What about courageousness, leadership, heart and the ability to deal with what most people can never face: Death.

James W. Young

James W. Young, fondly known by many as “Jim,” is no ordinary man. Everyday it seems he is up before the alarm clock, waking and embracing the obstacles and events that the day places on his path; for he has found a passion unlike any other. He strives to make everyday special and enjoyable for people that walk through his doors, or at least bearable. He makes every effort for the satisfaction of his customers, under any circumstances, and pushes himself and his 25 employees to make every moment count. Young is a funeral director, founder and owner of a series of funeral homes and, most of all, a man with a mission: to make this world an easier place for us all.

For some people death can not be understood. Its presence grips the very consciousness of our bodies with shock, heartache, and rage. It breaks us down into a melancholy until our bodies are consumed by numbness. Induced by the unreal and fostered by a void, our psyches’ transition into a tolerable state is very hard-pressed. Nonetheless, Young knows this and it is his duty to protect people from any unnecessary hardship. He cannot reverse this cycle but he can help resurrect the life that once was. He has mastered multiple strengths in 30 years of being in the funeral environment. With all his power, Jim does his best to help individuals recreate a loved one in an affectionate final tribute that celebrates their most treasured memories.

“The ability to reestablish that emotional link is crucial for families so that they can reach closure,” said Young. To him, serving the family to the fullest capability is probably one the most rewarding things that he can do to give back. Ultimately, he would like to take grief and pain out of people’s lives even before they reach his facilities but that is usually never the case. Nonetheless, when people do arrive at their most distressed he is at his best and most nurturing.

“It breaks my heart to see people in this situation and it is hard to watch family members and spouses deal with this most sudden and severe transition,” said a heartfelt Young. “So, we help them and support them as if they were one of our own,” he added.

Taking an extra step in the care of a family’s arrangements and services by competent professionals, Young makes a special effort with his facilities. He expects an environment that is warm, inviting, and divine. He wants to let people know that they will be taken care of along with their loved one. This is why his philosophy of “immaculate facility and affordability” is omniscient compared to competitors.

“We are full service facilities, not only do we pride ourselves in our funeral homes but every need is taken care of on the premises, nothing is subcontracted,” said an exuberant Young. “This allows us to control costs and pass on savings to our families.”

Young has dedicated his life to his businesses and expects the best out of them. He has founded and currently operates Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Sebastian, Fla; Davis-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Melbourne, Fla; and Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, Fla. As well, he owns Eagle Monument Cemetery Services and manages Palm Beach National Chapel, a facility conveniently located across from the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery in Lake Worth. Palm Beach National Chapel has recently opened to further reach families in need and is sure to achieve its full potential under his leadership.

His strong will, competitive nature, and very nurturing character not only make him a modern day hero but compel him to make it easier for people who are coping with death of a loved one. Emotionally it is one of the hardest jobs on earth; Young faces it head on each and every day with fervor and tenacity so that families and friends can face it as well.