Rev. John Leonard Grimes went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2010, in McAllister, Montana where he lived near two of his daughters. He was born to Hiram Alexander and Gladys Opal Grimes in Longview, Texas on July 2, 1923. His life was made enjoyable by three sisters, Marie Pate; Dotty Copeland; and Elma Ash. He grew up in Longview, and was a graduate of Longview High School.
Rev. Grimes was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 aboard the USS Jenkins at New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Philippine Campaign, and Borneo. He was the recipient of a Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal (7 stars), and the Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon (2 stars). He was discharged on his mother’s birthday, February 4, 1946.
Following his service in the U.S. Navy, John surrendered to the ministry, and was licensed and ordained at Mobberly Avenue Baptist Church in Longview. He was married there to Grace Simmons in a service conducted by Rev. C.L. Porter. They moved to Waco where he attended and graduated from Baylor University. He returned to serve as associate pastor at Mobberly before he was called to serve as a pastor at Concord Baptist Church in Concord, Texas. He continued his education by earning his Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Divinity degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. During his years in the ministry, Rev. Grimes served as pastor of churches in Abbot, Mount Calm, Gladewater (Joy Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church), Harleton, New Diana, Marshall (Bel Air Baptist Church on a temporary basis that turned into fourteen years and ended in his retirement. Rev. Grimes provided his time and talents to serve as Moderators and VBS Director in the associations in which his churches were located. While Rev. Grimes continued to preach, during his later years he also worked as Credit Manager at Manley’s Furniture in Longview.
Rev. Grimes is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Cynthia Eileen (Cindy) and Bobby Hoefer; Linda Marie and Wayne Miller; Laura Ann (Lolly) and Edie Cox. The girls sing together in the trio, Three As One, and they were frequently joined by John who added bass to the quartet. He is also survived by two of his loving sisters, Dotty Copeland and Elma Louise Ash; one grandson, Kyle Bennett Cost; eight step-grandchildren, Tiffany Pawley; Brandon Cox; Kristen Cox; Jason Miller; Kelly and Jared Prater; Joshua Miller; Kristin Miller; and Jared Miller. He has a number of beloved nieces, nephew, and their children.
Among those who survive Rev. John Grimes are the numerous friends and acquaintances whose friendships have thrived through his years as a student, sailor, pastor, father, and always an available ear to someone with a need. Among the closest of his friends, is his lifelong acquaintance, James Sutton, whom he loved like a brother, rather than just a friend.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 18, 2010 at First Baptist Church with Rev. David McCarty and Rev. Dewayne Beaty officiating. Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 17, 2010 at Lakeview Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
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