State 4-H auction dedicated to memory of Owatonna man

Something was noticeably different at this year’s Minnesota 4-H Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction.
For the first time in its 42-year history, Jim Grass of Owatonna wasn’t involved in the auction. He died in July at the age of 91.
But auction organizers didn’t let Grass’ contributions go unnoticed. They dedicated the auction to the memory of Grass and honored his surviving family members. Among them were Grass’ two children, Buz Grass of Owatonna and Julie Grass of Waltham, and his cousin, John Grass Jr. of Leroy.
Jim Grass’ involvement with the auction goes back to 1980 when he served on the board of the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association, which has sponsored the auction during its entirety. Jim Grass served on the first committee that planned the auction, according to John Grass. During that time, Jim Grass was chairman of the auction, which has $7.5 million for Minnesota 4-Hers with purple ribbon animals at the State Fair.
Jim Grass served on the committee until three years ago. However, he was still involved by soliciting area businesses to support 4-H and the auction.
John Grass, who has raised beef and hogs for most of his life, was also involved with the auction right along with Jim Grass.
“Everybody knew him and I as being a part of this auction for years and years,” said John Grass.
The auction, John Grass said, was near and dear to Jim Grass up until his death. “He was talking about the auction a few weeks before he died,” John Grass said, adding they often made the trip together to the State Fair to take in the auction.
John Grass said their passion for the auction boils down to one thing.
“We like working with youth,” said John Grass. “Somebody else gave to us when we were young so we could learn what we did and now I want to share the 4-H experience with the next two or three generations.”
Jim’s uncle, Forrest Grass, began showing at the State Fair in 1924. Jim took on the tradition in 1947 and showed for nearly 70 years. That achievement was noted in 2014 by the fair in its new History and Heritage Center. A photo of the family and details of their story were placed on a story wall dedicated to fair competitions throughout the years.  
John Grass recalls Jim’s words of wisdom for people who said they couldn’t do something. “He told them, ‘you can’t wait… you can’t do it any younger,’” John said, adding people took his advice and accomplished what they set out to do.