Obituary of William Charles Grimes

William (Bill) Charles Grimes, 92 of Boise, Idaho passed away in his home on July 15th at 9:30 PM surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on April 10th, 1927 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to John and Nellie Grimes. He grew up in Los Angeles with time spent in Pittsburg until he volunteered to serve in the United States Military. Bill wanted to join the war effort at the age of 15, so he lied about his age in order to enlist. He entered World War 2 on August 7th, 1943 as a member of the Merchant Marines where he served until his honorable discharge on September 25, 1947. He then joined the Air Force during which time he met the love of his life, Janet Smith, at a Knights of Columbus picnic. During his time in the Air Force, Bill contracted polio and was hospitalized for 4 months in 1952. After being honorably discharged he moved to Orange County, California where they had their only child, Judy Grimes. After retirement he moved to Boise, Idaho to be the best “Papa” to his four grandkids.

Bill was a devote Catholic, which he embodied in his everyday life. He was the epitome of a family man and his wife, daughter and grandchildren always held a special place in his heart.  Bill was always available to help in any way he could and did not miss a grandchild’s game, recital or important event. His grandchildren were never surprised to see their papa’s car waiting outside school at the end of the day to pick them up.

He will be remembered for many reasons, among them for his great sense of humor, fun-loving attitude, his availability to those he loved and those he called friends. Bill especially enjoyed playing golf, traveling, gardening and spending time with his dog, Roxy. It was important for him to keep busy in his retirement and was always working on projects for his family. These included landscaping his daughter’s entire 10 acre property, helping his grandchildren with school projects, and installing sprinkler systems around his daughter’s home.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet Grimes, their daughter Judy Grimes Nicola (George), grandchildren Lauren (Steven), Eric (Kelsey), Mark, and Megan Nicola and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers John (Jack) Grimes, Robert (Bob) Grimes, Charles (Charlie) Grimes and sister Helen Grimes Lynch.

Thank you for your many prayers for Bill before his death and may we long remember him and the family he leaves behind in our daily prayers.