Lillbert James "Jim" Grebe

He was born December 1, 1942 at home on Lespeance St & South Broadway, St Louis, MO to James Lillbert and Irma L. (Bauer) Grebe. Jim was baptized January 17, 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church Soulard/St Louis, MO. He attended Lafayette grade school and graduated from McKinley High School in St Louis, MO in 1960. He attended Harris Stowe State College in St Louis Missouri receiving a degree in Associate Arts. Jim began working for Aeolian Ludwig Piano in downtown St Louis tuning pianos/ organs and restoring them. January 13, 1964, he enlisted for 6 years’ service in the Missouri National Guard, serving until discharge date of January 12, 1970.

As he gained more knowledge and experience, he created his own company, Grebe Piano Tuning, restoring and tuning pianos and organs. He had a shop in Webster Groves, MO for his piano and organ repair / refinishing work.

Over the years Jim became involved with the St. Louis Theater Organ Society and the Piano Technician Guild, serving as President for both groups at various times. Jim interacted with a wide variety of people in his profession as piano tuner – not only his personal customers, churches and schools, Jim also tuned pianos for many well-known celebrities performing in various places in St Louis. Frankie Laine, rock group Queen, Barry Manilow, Steven Edge at Fox Theater, the Lester Family and many others. Jim had a passion for the theaters, big and little ones. It was always good news when he heard of one being restored and in use again. He spent many hours at the Fox Theater as a child and young man, becoming friends with Stan Kann, a famous theater organist.

Jim lived in St. Louis and Manchester MO. In 1999 he moved to Arnold, MO and built a home there. December 16, 2000 he was united in marriage to Ruth Ann (Hames) Crocker at Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard/St Louis, MO.

Jim began to develop a love for woodworking and made many beautiful caster cups for pianos, using many different and exotic woods. He also made special writing pens, clocks, tables, piano benches, bowls; whatever he could dream up he made it. His friends, family and customers enjoyed each item he created!

Jim’s expertise and commitment to excellence was a hallmark to his work ethic and created a successful business for many, many years in St Louis.

When Jim and his wife Ruth Ann moved to Estherville Iowa in 2019, his work ethic came with him and he gained more new friends and customers.

Jim was a quiet, peaceful man-an amazing child of God.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Hames) Grebe of Estherville, IA. Daughter Tamara Lynn (Ray) Witthaus of St. Charles, MO. Son Tim Beever of St. Louis, MO. Sons Jeremy James Grebe, Joshua James (Hillary) Grebe of Brookville, FL. Matthew James Grebe of St. Louis, MO. Granddaughter Alexis Rae Grebe, her fiancé, Brayden Scott , great grandson Xavier James Scott of Hannibal, MO. Great granddaughter Amelia Marie Watson of St. Charles, MO.Step daughter, Marlessa Amy Jodene Crocker of Estherville, IA. Step granddaughter Hannah Leigh Nitchals of Estherville, IA. Step son, Jeffery Alan (Toni) Crocker of Franklin, TN. Step granddaughter Gabrielle Lauren Crocker of Nashville, TN. Step grandson Garrison Andrew Dalton Crocker of Omaha, NE.Step grandson Raymond (Sarah) Witthaus, step great grandsons

Dean & Zachary Witthaus of Lincoln, CA. Step grandson Cale (Ashley) Stork, of Portsmouth, IA. Step granddaughter Treena Stork of Harlan, IA.

Cousins Rosita (Murle) Biggerstaff of St Peters, MO, Gregory H (Julie) Bauer in CO, Richard J Bauer of St Louis, MO. Lifelong friends, Jane Maule, Paul Ringwald and many, many wonderful friends. He will be missed greatly.

Services will be held Saturday March 2, 2024 at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary 6464 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO. Visitation will be at 10 am, funeral at 11 am, burial in New St Marcus Cemetery at 12 pm. Please add a favorite memory of Jim for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.