Obituary of John M. Grimes

John M. Grimes of Palmer, MA passed away at the age of 98 on Jan 31, 2020 at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, MA. He joins his dear wife Arlene C. (Keith) Grimes, who had predeceased him in October of 2005. He was born in Palmer on January 30, 1922 to the late Michael J. Grimes and Ellen (Looney) Grimes. John graduated from Palmer High School in 1939 and Bliss Electrical School in 1948. John began working as a licensed Journeyman Electrician and worked for 35 years at United Technologies Research Center Corporation/Pratt & Whitney/United Tech Research Center, retiring as a Maintenance Department Foreman in 1987. He was most proud of his service as a World War II Veteran serving as a lineman in the Army Signal Corp in North Africa, Italy and Germany. His memories of his service to his country was often shared with family and friends. In his earlier years he played baseball for St. Joe’s and Palmer Converse House baseball teams in the old Quaboag league. He was fondly known to his family as “Bub” and will be deeply missed by his two sons and two daughters, son-in law and daughter-in-law. Michael Grimes and partner Karen Royea of Palmer, Suzanne Gelinas and her husband David of Monson, Patricia Beaulieu of Ware, Timothy and Debra Grimes of Palmer, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. John especially enjoyed his visits with his brother, Will Grimes of Springfield, who at the age of 91 was a supportive and loving brother. Bub was known for his kindness to others and displaying a happy outlook on life. He showed an extraordinary talent for being able to build or fix anything and was always quick to help others.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main Street. A Funeral Service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, February 6th at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Four Corners Cemetery, Main St., Thorndike. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Soldiers' Home, attn: Treasurer's Office, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040.