Obituary of James M. Grimes

James Grimes, Sr. of Nobleboro, Maine passed away at the age of 78 on June 29^th at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, ME surrounded by his family.

 

Jim was born on July 8^th, 1945 in Boston, MA to Leonard and Barbara Hughes Grimes.  The world was never the same.

 

Jim grew up in Quincy, MA and attended Quincy High School until 1963 when he enlisted into the United States Air Force.  He served in the USAF for 8 years which included two tours in the Vietnam War working on the flightline fueling bombers and other aircraft. While on deployment, he was offered a Purple Heart but refused.

 

While serving his country, he met and fell in love with Mary Desmond from Squantum and they wed in 1968.  After discharging from the military, they resided in Squantum and started a family.  Jim worked as a truck driver for Citgo and then moved to plant operations.  Jim and Mary started a family and raised 5 children between Squantum, Plymouth and Carver.

 

Jim was a self made man who taught himself about the real estate market and transitioned to a career in financing, real estate and mortgages while he lived in Plymouth and Carver.  He was a small business owner for years all while finding time for coaching youth soccer, taking his children fishing and making hot dog casseroles without draining the grease.

 

At some point, he became known as Jade.  Jade was a force of life that could captivate anyone in his presence. His story telling is that of legend.  Whether in the “procrat room”, at a campfire or at the Tiki Kye he always demanded an audience with his gift for making a mundane story extraordinary.  The stories are endless but always unique.  He could talk about a simple hemorrhoid operation, ordering red wiggler worms from China, leaving a coworker for 180 miles at a truckstop, or teaching a baby bird to fly while maintaining an engaged and entertained audience.

 

He used his natural charisma and passion for the underdog to successfully run as a Selectman in Carver—a position he held for 9 years. His commitment to the people and standing up for what was right did not go unrecognized. Everyone would call him a friend, whether needing a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or a place to stay, by that meaning the basement… indefinitely.

 

A foody at heart, his sophisticated palate included a love for the finer things such as cheezits with pickles, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and bologna sandwiches and an occasional Bud Light Draft.

 

Jade loved flying since being a small boy.  He eventually got his private pilot’s license and owned multiple small planes.  You could find him flying the pattern at Plymouth with his grandkids or taking Mary to their beloved Duck Puddle Campground in Maine.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter who got such joy out of teaching his children and grandchildren to love the outdoors.

 

James was preceded in death by Lenny (father), Barbara (mother) and Daniel (son). 

 

He is survived by his wife Mary Desmond Grimes, James Michael Grimes, Jr. and his wife Melissa, Karen Preston Grimes, Michael Thomas Grimes and his wife Lynne, Meredith Grimes Blakesley and her husband Paul, Andrew Paul Grimes and his wife Justine and 16 grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Linda Grimes and brothers Patrick Grimes, Timmy Lawrence and Terry Lawrence.

 

Services for James will be held on Tuesday July 9^th from 3 to 7 at the Shepherd Funeral Home located at 116 Main St. Carver, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday July 10^th at 10:30 at Saint Katerie Church in Plymouth on South Meadow Rd. followed by a burial at the Lakenham Cemetery in Carver.

 

In lieu of flowers to make donation to the VA.

https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/