Be it Harleys, The Shriners, or Margaritaville you knew what he loved which was almost everyone. I never heard him raise his voice but he was always heard. He was a gentle giant of a man with a hearty laugh and a loving smile. You'll be missed Papa.

Somewhere around 20 years ago I met this larger than life human being who was introduced to me as Papa. I know at some point someone told me his name was Jim, but I've only ever called him Papa. He was a giant teddy bear of a man who warmly welcomed my family into his home during family events. He taught my son about the better qualities of a medium rare steak and I hear his voice in my head talking about ruining a perfectly good steak and eating shoe leather every time I put one on the grill. He used to make a trip to the Keys every summer and bring back handmade sandals for his girls. I was thrilled and privileged to be included in that for a time. 

The absolute best thing about  Papa was his unlimited capacity to love and care for my sister. He has been her north star and the guiding light showing her the way home through every stage of her life, through the good and the bad, loving her unfailingly and being her rock. I am grateful to him and his influence on her. He was the parent she needed when she needed it most without hesitation.

Rest in Peace Papa, give my love to Bambi ❤️

I did not get to see him often but every time I saw my great grandpa as a kid, he would always greet me with the warmest smile. Whether we were talking, playing, or just sitting together, he always paid full attention to me. His kindness and patience made every visit with him feel special. Those moments with him have stayed with me, a constant reminder of how much he cherished our time together. He will forever be missed and loved.

Losing my Papa feels like losing a part of myself it’s the part that always felt safe, loved, and whole.

My Papa wasn’t just a grandfather he was my protector, my constant, my guiding voice. When others let me down or couldn’t be there, he stepped in without hesitation, filling every empty space. He made sure I never went without, providing for me in ways no one else ever could. He bought my first car, paid for my education, and gave me the stability I so desperately needed. But beyond the material, he gave me the gift of unwavering love and security.

We shared countless moments deep, meaningful conversations where he imparted his wisdom and guided me through life’s lessons and challenges. He was always there, always steady, always ready to listen. Even when I made mistakes, even when I let him down, he never once withdrew his love or made me feel like a burden. He loved me without condition, without question, in a way that I know I will never experience again.

My Papa was a man of immense strength and integrity, but also of softness and compassion. He carried such valor that I admired deeply, and his presence grounded me in ways I’ll be forever untethered without him here. I will forever be grateful for the life he gave me, the sacrifices he made, and the love he poured into my life. 

I don’t know how to navigate a life in a world without him, but I do know that his legacy lives on in me. I will carry his voice, his wisdom, and his love with me for the rest of my life. Though he’s gone, I will always be his legacy. I will forever cherish the profound gift of being raised by him.

May he Rest in Peace…🙏🙏🙏
A good man. I will never forget him.
LAA

Uncle Jim was always kind and had a smile that could brighten any day. He was easy to talk to, always listening with genuine interest. He loved his family deeply and made everyone feel valued. Riding his Harley was one of his greatest joys, and he loved sharing that passion with those he cared about. His kindness, love for his family, and joy in life will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to Aunt Sandy. 💕

-Carina
Niece

I'm proud that I was able to know and work with Jim Griner. We talked and laughed and answered life's questions in the process of making a living. We enjoyed each other's company.

Sandy,

   My deepest condolences on your loss. You and Jim were perfect for each other. Remember all the great times y’all had together. Everyone knew that the two of you were the love of each other’s life.

Worked with Jim @Local 1593 during the Afghan war he was the gentle giant to me, big old, rough and tough with a heart of a teddy bear . I always loved hearing the stories that he would tell us some sad some funny some hilarious Jim loved his family and he loves Sandy with all his heart . He would do anything in his power to make sure everybody needs were taking care of . Family came 1st in his life .He loved being  Policeman that was his 2nd  Family He will be missed by many who knew and loved him
Godspeed my Friend
Kathy Livingston Local 1593 Family

Sandy, 

We’re so sorry for your loss. We know Jim was the love of your life. 
Sending you love and prayers.
Randy and Catherine Mock

Uncle Jim was always happy and smiling. His smile was contagious. I remember him and Aunt Sandy always going riding and enjoying life. You will be missed but we will all see you again. My condolences to you Aunt Sandy. Love you.

Sandy Jim was a very kind man. I remember when you met You were so happy when you 
 got married. You were so happy and you and hie were a great couple. I am glad that you had him come into your life .He loved you dearly.He will be waiting for you in heaven.

Sandy I’m sorry for your loss. I know I facebooked you several days before Jim passed. But my heart goes out to you. I know how much you loved him   My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Jim was a fun loving, caring and kind man who came into our lives through Sandy. He had a heart ❤️ of gold.  He would give you the shirt off his back and then still help you in any other way that he could. I remember when he and Sandy got married. They radiated love, admiration and affection for each! Thank God for allowing such a sweet spirit to grace us with his presence here on earth 🌍. Sandy we LOVE ❤️ YOU and MISS YOU SO MUCH! Rest well Jim! You lived a life well LOVED AND LIVED!!!

Jim & were married for 23 years 8 months & 11 days! Everyday was a day of Love & happiness. We had Love At First Sight, he was getting ready to turn 60 &I was getting ready to turn 50. Our marriage was made in Heaven, God sent Jim to me & vice versa. I Love him more today than I did when we first meet. Always have to thank Chuck Stokes for bringing Jim around to meet some ladies!

Jim was a man of his word. He was always reading a book or riding his Harley Davidson. Was big into the shrines. Love telling stories about his time on the police force. And flying for the JSO. Tho I didn’t know Jim untill later in his life he was always doing something like riding his bike on the four corners ride that many never get that chance. He and Sandy rode all over the place. It was easy to see how much he loved Sandy. He will be missed.
He loved his classic car received many ribbons for it. He also was so proud the he was part or the original bailey’s gym. As he also loved to work out. 
Tom Sheffield
Brother in law

They loved to go cruising. They went on many family cruises. They took Tammy and I on a cruise for our 50th birthday. This was a great time. Jim would be by the pool reading his book that was one of the things he liked to do in his spare time. They went on a Panama Canal cruise with my parents and they said that was one of the best cruises they had been on. Both of them loved to learn new things. And this cruise was very interesting for all of them. If they would have had more time I think they would have turned around and gone back the other way

These two were the happiest they had ever been. He treated her like a queen and she treated him like a king. This man had the biggest heart and the biggest smile. The first time they met it was love at first sight for both of them.

He loved to ride and so did Sandy. They both liked alot of the same things. We always had a great time anytime when we were together.  It was very cold this time we went. But we had a great time together. Jim just loved to find new adventures and loved his family and friends

We would go to Marathon  for a week. . We would ride down on our motorcycles. And we would meet up with friends and family. They would bring their boats. We would go fishing,swimming,snorkling and just relaxing on the beach.

Sorry for yals the loss My deepest consult condolences
Love you 
Great nephew tyler

To my sister and family you have lost a great man. I know he's in a better place. Keeping an eye on us from heaven

Well we lost one of greats  uncle Jim  you will be miss until  we meet  again . JIM Was AWESOME  he love people his family his friends  he Absolutely adored his wife sandy Griner  ... they allways full of Laughter and love and giggles i was enjoyed  my time with Jim and Sandy.. Jim allways  made me welcome and loved.  One. Of best memories  going with him to get  the 40s chevy Project car and help get it to run ..old car with newer technology  lots head scratching but we got ...we all will miss Jim.               love your You're nephew

Uncle Jim 
Your beautiful contagious smile will be missed . You left lasting memories with everyone you came in contact with.   you will be truly missed  tell Jesus & grandma hello for us . read some books and take a few pictures. until we meet again ❤️

Dear Sandy,
We are truly heartbroken for the loss of the Love of Your Life.  You were truly the love of his life and I know he was your forever love.  You could feel it when you were together and see how he lit up when you walked in the room.  That twinkle in his eyes & the best smile upon seeing you was the sweetest!  You two had a special love ! 
We will miss doing things together as couples. The Cruises, keys vacation, motorcycle fundraiser parties, etc  And so much more.
We enjoyed being with you & him and will truly miss those times.
He will be missed by so many that knew him!   
No one will ever fill his shoes again for you Sandy and I know he will always be watching over and protecting you!  
Deepest condolences to you, Tammy & family. 
We Love  You.     Karen & Ronnie

We are so very sorry for your loss. We have such wonderful memories of cruises,  pool parties, the keys and St Augustine. Jim and his green egg made some great meals. He was always such a joy to be around. He will be missed by so many.
With our love,
Tom & Franci Sheffield

Jim treated me like his own flesh and blood instead of a step daughter. I'm so thankful he loved my mom cuz she deserved a true love. He took me to Jaguar games, bought me a car, did weight watchers together; everything a dad should be and more. I am blessed to have him in my life. His smile will be missed and the twinkle in his eye when he looks at my mom. He truly has a heart of servitude to anyone he would give the shirt off his back to.  Thank you Jim, can't wait to see you again. Lots of love ❤️

What an awesome man.  “Griner’s Gym” may have only been a simple wooden shed but was such a huge part of my and so many other Terry Parker boys’ upbringing.  Some may remember its’s where Don Bailey and bodybuilder great Lee Labrada started out. Jim’s generosity at keeping the doors open for all is a testament to the kind of man he was.  And having Big Jim buzz the house with the JSO helo spotlight was such a thrill as a kid.  It was comforting to know he had the watch while we slept. Rest in Peace Big Jim.

I served on the Jacksonville Police Dept with Jim. He was like myself one of the "Newer" young Officers who made a dedicated effort to bring a new view of police work.  He was a very dedicated officer and one of the officers I always enjoyed working with and socializing withq in our Last Man Club . I pray blessing on his surviving family members and remember Jim as we do.   I left the Police Dept after 6 yrs to go into business but I stayed in contact with many of the officers like Jim. 28 years in the last man club has lasted. Note the remaining ones will have a Jacksonville Police Department Last Man Club vest on at the services.   Steve Limbaugh

Sandy - I am so sorry for you and your family.  I can only say that both Jim and also Nancy, are in a much happier place.  I know both you and I have been through a lot with Jim and Nancy but I am sure that like me, spending our time with our spouses, was a gift we can never lose.  My heart goes out to you!

Pat Higgs

Our heartfelt sympathy to all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving Jim. Tammy, you possess many wonderful qualities of your father, and I know he was proud to call you his daughter. May loving memories sustain you until you all meet again!

Dear Sandy,
So sorry to hear that your dear Jim has died. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends at this time of final loss of the man you loved. You did your best and in the end his going is a very sad but perhaps a blessed relief. Thinking of you. Love and Cheers! Adrian Bishop (old neighbor from Sea Crest)

What a beautiful obituary. John and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family. I never met him but I know how close Tammy was to him. We kind of knew him through her and her memories. Prayers and love for comfort and healing.

Tammy- 
I will always look up to your father as a hero. He served, and was a pillar of strength for many. In his presence you could feel the warmth and welcoming nature just to be there. He showed such integrity and strength. 
The love he had for his family was immeasurable . Kind and compassionate with a quick wit. You can see the love he had for his family. The pride he had for you was definitely felt. You have much of his characteristics and strength. His legacy and light will carry on through you. Love you my friend, and am so grateful to have spent time with him two years ago. My heart felt condolences to you. ♥️

A beautiful testimony to a life well-lived! 

Mr. Griner had a huge impact on my childhood, but  my fondest memory is that helicopter flying over the streets Tammy, me & all the neighborhood kids were running!
 As life moved on, we didn’t see each other often but when we did, little had changed! He had the most welcoming smile & gave the best hugs! 

I rejoice that he is whole again and reunited with Little Jimmy & Bambi and his other loved ones!

My sincerest condolences to the family!

Jimmy was fun to be around and he will be missed.  My father Cliff Little and Jimmy were first cousins.  They enjoyed each other and had a lot of fun growing up together in Montgomery, AL.  I'm sure they are having a fine time together now!

Peace
Jimmy Little
Auburn Alabama

Incredible man with deep passion and love for his family. 
I loved Jim Griner. He has always touched my heart with his beautiful smile and great hugs. 
Tammy, you were very blessed to have had 
this guy for your dad.
I’ll miss him , and  so will so many others will miss him as well. 
See ya in heaven Mr. GRINER. I want that tight hug again🙏😢
Love,
Missy Groves

Tammy & family, 
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.  As you know I knew him through JSO & I flew as an observer with him on my first helicopter ride.  He was also good friends of my parents through the Shrine.  He was a nice, funny & just likable guy & will be missed by all who knew him.  Thoughts are with all his family and friends.



Patricia (Seldon) Davis
Retired JSO
Acworth, Ga.

Dear Sandy,
My deepest condolences for Jim’s passing on the 11th. I will treasure his memory and of our meeting on the cruise and in Jacksonville.
Greg
🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

OBITUARY

James "Jim" William Griner, Sr.

February 20, 1939 – August 11, 2024

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home & Riverside Memorial Park

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