Jimmy Ray Grimes

Jimmy Ray Grimes loved the Lord and loved to read the Bible. He faced many challenges, especially in his early years as an adult. Jim learned to face his problems head on and succeeded in spite of them. Friendship was very important to Jim and he was very loyal to his friends.

Jim was born on August 18, 1948 at Crane Hospital in Crane, Texas. His parents were Neal and Mary Grimes. Jimmy was raised in Crane, Texas. Jim was an only child and he was very close to both of his parents. They were quite the threesome. They enjoyed camping together and Neal and Mary loved to watch Jim play sports.

Jim was a sweet, good-natured child. Neal would always make sure that Jim had the best sports equipment so that Jim could really enjoy his sports activities. One of those activities he took part in was baseball.

Jim was a good student while growing up in Crane and his grades reflected that. Jim graduated from Crane High School in 1966. One of Jim's favorite teachers in Crane was Mrs. Winnie Browning who also happened to be his next door neighbor. Jim graduated in the top ten of his high school class.

Jim reveled in his early college years at Texas Tech University. Jim really began to blossom in college, both as a student and as a person. Jim transferred to the University of Texas and it was during that time that he was forced to quit college for a period of time. He eventually went back to school at Texas Tech and earned his bachelors degree in Medical Technology.

Jim loved to make new friends and he acquired many while playing golf. Jim loved to tell jokes and he could remember many. Later in life, he became friends with Joe and Vicky Stalls and Tommy and Judy Spain.

Jim met his wife Kathy while they were both working at Abilene Regional Medical Center. On April 26, 1985, Jim exchanged wedding vows with Kathy Smith at the home of friends in Abilene, Texas. They had a very happy marriage which lasted almost twenty six years until the time of Jim's death. They were best friends and enjoyed being with each other. Jim and Kathy enjoyed traveling.

Jim enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading and exercising. In high school Jim played football, basketball and baseball. Recreational sports included bowling, tennis and golf. Jim was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching football, golf and tennis.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Jim was a member of Beltway Park Baptist Church..

Jim loved to travel with his wife Kathy. Some of their vacations included Hawaii, London England, New York and Washington D.C. Jim's favorite vacation was the Canadian Rockies by rail. Jimmy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Jim's favorites were Dakota, a German Shepherd and Dixie Belle, a Cocker Spaniel. They were best friends for 7 years (Dakota) and 3 years (Dixie Belle).

Jim was really excited about being able to retire in May 2004. Jim remained busy with people and projects. He found new pleasure in playing golf and having coffee with friends. Jim's favorite coffee buddy was Joe Stalls. Jim and Joe enjoyed many hours talking over a cup of coffee.

Jim passed away on January 1, 2011 at Cross Country Healthcare Center in Brownwood, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Grimes; mother and father-in-law, Loretta and Buddy Hiller; brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Janalee Smith and their children, Zach, Blaine and Maci. Services were held at Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith and he was laid to rest at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories on Hwy 277 South in Abilene, Texas.

Jim brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and he loved to share his energy, wit and his zest for all of his activities with friends and family. Jimmy Ray Grimes loved life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him! He will be remembered with at smile.