John Davis Grimm

John Davis Grimm, 78, passed away May 22, 2017 in Olympia, Washington. The eldest of four brothers, he was born in Vancouver, Washington on April 16, 1939 to Howard and Jean Grimm. After a short time in Vancouver, the family moved to Port Angeles, and then on to Olympia when John was four years old. He spent the rest of his life in the Olympia area. He attended Garfield Elementary School, and graduated from Olympia High School in 1957. Then it was off to Centralia Junior College for two years, before transferring to Washington State College (now University). In the early ‘60s, John had a desire to serve his country and joined the U.S. Coast Guard; he continued with the USCG Reserves for several years. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Kristrom in Seattle at a school seminar for telephone collectors. They were married on September 14, 1963 at Saron Lutheran Church in Hoquiam, Washington. John was a second generation award winning collection specialist with over 50 years industry experience. In 1978, he purchased Grimm Collections Inc. in Tumwater from his father, Howard Grimm, who founded the business in 1945. John served on every committee in the Washington Collectors Association and held every office, including President in 1975. He is a former member of the Board of Directors and certified school instructor for American Collectors Association International. John was presented the “Unit Key Man” award by ACA as being the top collection professional in the United States, and he was a distinguished member of the International Fellowship of Certified Collectors. The Washington Collectors Association recognized John with a lifetime Honorary Achievement Award for his many years of tireless dedication, support and contributions at the state legislature and to WCA. John turned the company helm over to his son, David Grimm, in 2010. The two of them worked together side by side for 26 years. John never retired or used the “R” word in a conversation. He came to the office weekly until health issues kept him from driving in 2016. He would often grouse and remind employees every day that he was working hard, despite Dave giving him a monthly paycheck that only had a zero on it! John loved spending time with his family, especially watching his grandkids at their many sporting events. His favorite place to be was his summer home (Grimm’s Sou’West) in Long Beach, Washington, where he enjoyed going out on his boat, fishing, and crabbing at Ilwaco on the Columbia River. Many friends and family also came by for the hospitality and all the beach fun. John and Katherine also enjoyed cruising to numerous places, including Italy, Spain, Alaska, and throughout the Caribbean. Known as “Bo” to many, John especially looked forward to the Memorial Day weekend “Quinault Fishing Derby,” a greatly anticipated annual event organized with a group of 20 close friends. The group stayed in cabins, socialized, and made bets on who would catch the largest fish. Big money was involved, as well as a beautiful trophy donated by Ted Kluh. John’s name was engraved on the trophy more than once! He and his fishing partner, Don Massoth, often did whatever they could (legally or otherwise) to catch the big one. One year they kept several fish they had caught the day before the contest in their cabin’s shower overnight so they appeared fresh at weigh in. (And the skullduggery didn’t even ensure a win!) This was just one antic they conjured up; there were many more. Oh what fun memories were made at the derby. In addition to fishing, John loved golf, boats, classic cars, the Seattle Seahawks, Washington State Cougar and Tumwater High School football. John was very civic-minded, and always believed in “giving back”. He actively participated in the Elks Club (lifetime member), Capital City Lions (founding president), and Tumwater Rotary (recipient of the Paul Harris Award). John took sport in gambling, and there was never a bet that he would not take! John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Katherine Grimm of Tumwater; sons, David Grimm (wife, Alisa) of Tumwater, and Matthew Grimm of Tenino, Washington; four grandchildren; and twin brothers, Warren and Bill Grimm. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Mike; and grandparents, Waldo “Doe” and Hazel Davis, and Huber “Polly” and Emma Grimm. Heartfelt thanks to wonderful daughter-in-law, Alisa, who was a blessing from God in caring for John in his final days. Very special thanks to Dr. Calvin Kuo, and thanks also to Dr. Dustan Osborne, and the staff at Olympics West Assisted Living and Puget Sound Health Care Center. Please leave memories of John or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.