William Cecil “Jim” Grimes, 85, of San Antonio, FL died Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Duluth, GA. He was born April 11, 1931 in Maynard, OH a son of the late Cecil Willis and Clara Graham Grimes.
Before he joined the Army in 1948, he hitch hiked through 28 states and Canada. He served during the war in both Korea and Vietnam in the 82nd Airborne with 14 parachute jumps. After 23 years in the Army, he retired as a Sgt. Major and moved to Cumming GA. Jim was a 32nd degree mason and president of the Shrine Club and Commander of the VFW there. He moved to San Antonio, FL in 1989 and was AARP Drive 55 instructor for 10 years. Governor Lawton Chiles appointed him as an Ombudsman to inspect and solve complaints in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He was a lifetime member and past commander of the American Legion in Dade City. He was also a volunteer with parking enforcement with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years. He was an ordained deacon in the Baptist Church and was baptized in the Jordan River. He had traveled in every state except Hawaii with his Airstream Travel Trailer. Jim was an avid motorcycle rider and loved to travel. He told stories of his travels to all seven continents and over 100 countries. He traveled around the world three times. Some of his favorite places were Tibet, 10 countries in Africa, the Siberian Express all the way across Russia, (three times) and seeing the Taj Mal in India.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; a daughter, Leilani; a brother, Ronald. Jim had a wonderful love of life and infectious good humor. He will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his daughter, DeAnna (Randy) Gettler of Duluth, GA; a son, Sean (Ann) Grimes of Navarre Beach, FL; two sisters, Constance McNeal of Columbus, OH and Columbine Barker of Lawndale, CA; stepchildren, Owen (Suzie) Russell, David (Tanya) Russell and Cecilee Russell; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Friday from 6-8 pm and on Saturday from 9:30 until time of service at 10:30 am at Beck-Altmeyer Funeral Home & Crematory 204 West Main Street St. Clairsville, OH with Pastor Gary Eller officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville with full Military Honors conducted by the Belmont County Veterans Association.
Share your thoughts and memories of Jim with his family at www.beckaltmeyer.com
William Cecil “Jim” Grimes
April 11, 1931 - August 27, 2016
04/11/1931 - 08/27/2016
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday September 03, 2016
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Service
Saturday September 03, 2016
10:30 am - 11:15 am
Cemetery
Saturday September 03, 2016
11:15 am
Truly a unique individual. I will always remember his story telling and jokes. I am sure he is continuing this in heaven today! You are truly missed…
Cecil was in a fifth grade class with me. He was blonde with an infectious smile. One day he turned around in his seat and told me I looked like the celebrated actress Greer Garson. That was all I needed to hear. He was my friend. Unknown to many he had lost his father Cecil, 30 years old, in the Willow Grove Mine Disaster. Immense pain and hardship followed. It is no surprise that Cecil went on to lead a happy and productive life, and that so many grieve this loss.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of William Cecil Grimes, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of…..
US Army Veteran, William Cecil Grimes, “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Uncle William filled a void for me after my Dad, his brother Ronald, died. His gestures, looks and story telling reminded me a lot of my dad. I’ll miss you both! Happy Birthday Dad! Be nice and share a piece of heavenly cake with Uncle William! 😉
Uncle William filled a void for me after my Dad, his brother Ronald, died. His gestures, looks and story telling reminded me a lot of my Dad. I bet they will have a fun day in Heaven today celebrating my Dad’s earthly birthday.
Jim was a very special person & we feel truly blessed to be part of his family.Such special memories visiting Jim & Barbara that we will always treasure.He was so loved & will be greatly missed.We Love You Jim!!