As I sit here and remember Jimmy, I muster up the words of Wayne Dyer who said that we are first and foremost spiritual beings having a human experience. As such the spirit never dies,  just the body. The essence of who we are - our spirit- is always and forever alive, and accessible to our loved ones in every thought or memory or feeling they have regarding us. The physicality of Jimmy may be gone, but most definitely not his amazing spirit! ♥️☮️

Your picture remains on my fridge, the memories remain in my heart. Your passing was so close to that of my brother that I could not properly reach out to Linda and the kids other than to identify with their pain. Jim...we all miss you so much. Thanks for being you. Your love and devotion for Linda and the kids was and always will remain an inspiration to me. We miss your uncontrollable laughter and hearing "Have a nice weekend everybody!"
 Kathy/AAA Glass Replacement

I just saw the message today that Jim had passed away in May this year.  My sincere condolances to Linda and their family. We were friends growing up in Campbell in the 1950s. We kept up a sporatic contact, right up to my surprise 22nd birthday party in '74, while our family was in Lafayette, Cal. 

I had met Linda once in the early 70s but have never met the kids.  I can remember Jimmy's Robway Ave. home quite well. And of course, Raymond and Albina. Our family moved from Campbell to Cambrian Park in 1960, and to LA in '66 for 4 years. I moved to Oslo, Norway in '79 to marry Ellen, and have been here ever since.

It was great to see all the pictures in the tribute! 

Russ Easton

As a child I had seen many photos of the American cousin Jim who lived in California, when in 1968 he came with his parents Remo and Albina it was a great party for us. The first memory I have of him is a beautiful smile in a very nice face. Later we kept in touch. My father Alberto went to California and told us about his family. Then Silvio and I were his guests in San josè and we met them Linda and her boys We had wonderful moments that I will never forget Hi Jim I was hoping to spend more days with you and Linda and get to know your grandchildren ... I can only cry with your loved ones and remember you with so much affection. I hope Linda finds the strength to visit us .. I embrace you all.
Giovanna.
Rest in peace Jim .... Silvio

Many of my childhood memories were made revolving around the Grilli household.  A home full of love and a place I always felt comfortable and welcome. As kids, I recall many times where Jim would assist us with little projects or things that needed fixing while we were playing alongside him in the garage.   He even fixed the window of my old Ford Bronco in high school! I remember Jim always had the best moves at the father-daughter dances when we were growing up! If anyone’s been to a wedding with Jim, I’m sure you’d agree.  I recall many times spent around a campfire with Jim, enjoying a drink, and his antics! He was a character, one of a kind, and a true man’s man. Rest In Peace, Jim.


          I grew up hearing stories of Jim’s and my dad’s childhood adventures together. The trouble they got into and so on. I cherish those memories. I am also blessed to have a life filled with amazing memories Jim created for me by being a father figure and sharing, love, laughter and family with me throughout his life. I am grateful for all that Jim has brought to my life. I promise the childhood memories he helped create in my life are, and will continue to be shared with a full heart and laughter around camp fires and backyard BBQ’s for a long time to come.  Love you always and will miss you fiercely.  

Jim, my husband Tom and I were all only children, so Jim was like a brother to me. My husband Tom and Jim became friends in kindergarten. I heard stories of hours playing in the walnut orchards on Hamilton. I think shingle fights were involved. Jim married and Linda became my best friend. Our families spent those memorable Italian holidays together. Jim and Linda became my children’s Aunt and Uncle. Jim always included me after my husbands death. I never felt like the third wheel on family trips and Tahoe adventures. I hope you are raising hell with Tom in heaven. I will deeply miss you on this earth. RIP JIM

Growing up navigating two cultures was a quite challenge throughout my life, but the wonderful, large,  extended Italian family that surrounded me helped ease the process. Part of this family were the many cousins with whom I played - and Jimmy was the closest! Thanksgiving was always at his house in Campbell, where the scene around their dining room table is emblazoned in my mind - the children with olives affixed onto their fingers- deliberating over who would get the drumsticks! In the background - the steady stream of laughter and the beautiful sound of Italian!  I can still feel the exhilaration of running around afterwards until our faces were red with the exertion of nonstop games of Tag  and Sardines in a Can!    
    The one big memory I have of Jimmy belongs just to the two of us. When I was five and just recently arrived from Italy I was taken in my Sunday best to Campbell with my aunt and Jimmy. She had to clean an office and left us outside playing. No sooner were we there that a fire erupted across the street  in an apartment building.  Seven year old Jimmy ran towards all the excitement, looking both ways before crossing the street. I tore off after him, but did not look, and was immediately hit by a slow moving car! Under the car I went, and when I emerged on the other side, I noticed that my brand new Sunday shoes were not on my feet having been flung off due to the impact. I do not remember being in physical pain, but I was quite distraught at not having my shoes. Since we were only bought two pairs of shoes a year, I was very afraid that I would be in trouble for having lost them. I screamed for Jimmy to find them, who did just that, and gently put them back on my feet before he ran to get Zia Albina! All ended well after a short hospital visit where my family met me.  He will remain my hero that day, and everyday in the story that replays often!  
     Gone physically but his spirit and energy will always be strong. ♥️♥️♥️
      
    

REMEMBERING ALL THE HUNTING TRIPS WE TOOK TOGETHER!!!!!!  MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!!!!! 

OBITUARY

James Joseph Grilli

October 25, 1952 – May 21, 2021

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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