James W. Gribble Sr.

James W. Gribble Sr., 87, a resident of York County since 1977, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 27 years to include tours in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following that he worked for the Federal Government at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown for 13 years. Upon retirement, Jim enjoyed competing in numerous local golf tournaments with such experiences as: He won the “Little Masters” Tournament at Langley AFB in the same year in which his fellow Ohioan, Jack Nicklaus, won the “The Masters” Tournament at Augusta National. He was awarded both “Longest Drive” and “Closest to Pin” in the same year at the Annual York River Masonic Golf Tournament. His team frequently participated in and also won 1st Place in the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Shoot-Out and while his extensive travels did not lead him to Scotland, he was recognized for a “Hole-In-One” by the Virginia State Golf Association. Jim was a lifelong fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. He was a former long-time bowling league member and secretary. His community service included American Red Cross Bloodmobile, Tabb High School Band Parent Association President and Trinity Lutheran School Golf Tournament Chairman. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Cindy Behlmar, Michael (Diana) Behlmar, and Michael Gribble; and grandchildren, Mikayla Behlmar and Alexander Gribble. As one of twelve siblings, he is survived by his older brother, Philip (Dorothy) O’Hara. He was predeceased by his son, James (Nancy) Gribble, Jr. The family received friends on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA, 23666. A Celebration of Life followed along with interment with military honors at Parklawn Memorial Park. Due to COVID-19, there were attendee limitations. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. We applaud him as “always too early, never late, the Lord must be ready for him!”