James F. Grimes

OBITUARY James F. Grimes July 14, 1931 - August 15, 2023 Salem - James (Jim) Grimes, 92, a long-time resident of Jefferson, died Tuesday, August 15, at Battle Creek Memory Care in Salem. He was born in Waldo, Kansas, the son of Frank and Hazel (Russum) Grimes. When Jim was a teenager, the family moved to Oregon. After graduating from Jefferson High School, where he was a two-time State track champion in 1949 and 1950 running the 880, he married his high school sweetheart Evelyn G. White, on July 26, 1952, in Yuma, AZ. They lived in Laguna Beach, CA, their first year of marriage before returning to Jefferson after Jim completed his military service at Camp Pendleton. He was a Sargeant in the Marine Corp, 1st Marine Division, Dog Company, 1st Tank Battalion and served in the Korean War. Jim retired from Teledyne Wah Chang after 27 years. He was an avid landscaper on their 2-acre property and loved working outside. When his grandson was born in 1993, he became a devoted grandfather. His wife had a passion for travel and together they made 16 trips to Europe, but Mazatlan, Mexico, was his favorite travel destination. Jim is survived by his wife, Evelyn Grimes, of Salem; his son, Terry Grimes, of Salem; his daughter, Kim Royland, of Beaverton; and his grandson, Ryan Grimes, of Palmdale, CA. His parents and his older brother, Jack, preceded him in death. His wife, son, and daughter were with him when he passed. The family wishes to thank Battle Creek Memory Care and Brighton Hospice for the wonderful care they provided as Jim neared end of life. Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Memorial Society. At Jim’s request no services will be held. His ashes will rest in a niche at Willamette Memorial Park in Albany.