Meet Jake Sr. & Marisa Grant

Jake Sr. and Marisa Grant have lived in the Five Points neighborhood for five years, but it didn’t take long for it to feel like home. After 45 years of marriage and many years spent in suburban communities, the Grants made what they lovingly call their “city plunge.” What they found was more than a new address—it was a lifestyle rooted in connection and community.

They were immediately drawn to the beauty and charm of Five Points. The tree-lined streets, historic homes, and friendly pace of life stood out, but it was the ability to walk almost everywhere that truly sealed the decision. From restaurants and parks to neighborhood shops and church, the ease of daily life felt refreshing. “The warmth and kindness of our neighbors made the move even more special,” they share. “Someone is always stopping to say hello or visit.”

Jake, a retired civil engineer and former Chief Operations Officer for Oconee County Schools, has always enjoyed understanding how things logically fit together. That curiosity and practicality haven’t slowed down in retirement. He enjoys fixing projects around the house and is often helping friends and neighbors with theirs as well. Whether it’s a small repair or a bigger challenge, Jake is happiest when he’s solving problems and lending a hand.

Marisa, a retired educator and former principal of Bethlehem Elementary School in Barrow County, has spent her life devoted to children and leadership. That passion continues today in joyful ways. One of her favorite activities is visiting granddaughter Olivia’s school dressed as a book character and reading to students—bringing stories to life and encouraging a love of learning. Watching children grow and develop has always been close to her heart, and she finds great joy in staying connected to young learners.

The Grants met in Atlanta in 1980. Jake is originally from Athens, while Marisa was born in Brooklyn, New York, and is a first-generation Italian American. Their educational paths reflect their dedication to service and growth—Jake earning a degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Georgia Southern University, and Marisa completing advanced degrees in education and leadership. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and enduring friendships.

Church is central to their lives. Their involvement with St. Joseph Parish and the UGA Catholic Center shapes much of their weekly rhythm. From Bible studies and committees to volunteering, scholarship management, and participation in the new Saint Joseph Church building project, service is a shared calling. One of their favorite aspects of Five Points is being able to walk to church—turning faith into a daily, lived experience rather than just a destination.

Family is the heart of their home. They have two adult sons: Jake Jr., General Manager of the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Hotel, and Commander Jonathan “Andrew” Grant of the United States Navy, whose career has taken him around the world and soon to an assignment at the Pentagon. Their daughter-in-law Elise owns a home décor business and is a devoted mother to their granddaughter, Olivia, age nine. Olivia—affectionately known as their “little princess”—loves spending time at Nonna and Pop’s house, often bringing along Maggie, the youngest grand dog. Luna, the eldest grand dog, also makes frequent visits and is very much part of the family.

The Grants’ home is rarely quiet. It’s a place filled with friends, food, conversation, and laughter. Longtime friendships have followed them through growing up, college, and seven different homes. Weekly dinners with friends, their 30-year supper club, and spontaneous gatherings are part of everyday life. On warm evenings, their outdoor pizza oven becomes a neighborhood hub, transforming their backyard into an inviting pavilion for family and friends.

Hobbies and shared activities keep their days full. They enjoy visiting the sick and elderly, playing cards and games such as Tombola (Italian bingo), Sequence, and poker, and spending family time over Monopoly and Life with Olivia. Marisa loves cooking, while Jake enjoys hands-on projects and staying active. Daily brisk walks—especially in fall, winter, and spring—are a favorite ritual.

Travel has always been important to the Grants. Favorite destinations include their Lake Burton home, where boating, skiing, and Cherokee Cove sunsets never disappoint, as well as any beach they can find. Their family home in Tuscany, Italy, holds special meaning, connecting them to Marisa’s heritage. They’ve traveled throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe with their children, and enjoy river and ocean cruising. Upcoming adventures include visiting Elise’s family in Australia and New Zealand. While early years were filled with camping trips, this season of life is about tours, historic sites, and meeting interesting people along the way.

Italian traditions remain deeply woven into family life. Celebrations like the Feast of the Seven Fishes and an annual August homecoming inspired by Italian festivals—complete with costumes, traditional dancing, and outdoor gatherings—are cherished events. Birthdays are always celebrated with cake and hats, no exceptions. Jake’s three brothers and their families often visit, adding even more joy and energy to the home.

Five Points enhances daily living in countless ways. Walking to Add Drug for a milkshake, stopping by Hodgson’s or Jeni’s for ice cream, and enjoying scones from Independent Baking Company are simple pleasures. Favorite meals include hamburgers at the Royal Peasant, Friday fish at Marker 7, lunches with Jake at the Savannah Room, and special evenings at the Expat or ZZ & Simone’s. Wine Club nights at the Pine, visits to the Bottle Shop, and time spent at Memorial Park—especially with Olivia at the playground—round out their favorites.

Game days bring extra excitement as fans stream past their home on the way to cheer on the Dawgs. Watching the energy build from their sunroom and outdoor pavilion has become a beloved tradition.

Their hundred-year-old historic home on Milledge Circle—with wooden floors, plaster walls, high ceilings, and magnolia trees—was lovingly restored and perfectly reflects their Five Points dream. 

Favorite quotes guide their outlook on life: “God has it!” and “Trust in His ways,” along with a lighthearted reminder that “It’s always something!” For Jake and Marisa Grant, Five Points is more than a neighborhood—it’s a forever home built on faith, friendship, service, and joy.