Jim Grimes

James Carlton Grimes "Jim" died peacefully at his home on Monday, September 24, 2012. He was born in Tishomingo, OK to Leila and Fred Grimes on January 25, 1927. Jim attended high school in Chouteau, OK where he met Laverne Lake; his high school sweetheart. Jim was drafted before completing high school and served with Company "M", 26th Infantry Regiment, in Germany during WW II. He received the European Theater of Operations Ribbon and Expert Rifleman Medal. After returning from Germany he married his high school sweetheart, Laverne, and attended Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, TX. He graduated with a Major in art and a Minor in PE, and while working on his Master's degree in art he taught school in Grand Prairie, TX for 6 years. On a vacation trip to Wyoming in 1956 Jim and Laverne fell in love with Casper and have lived here since. Along with teaching, Jim coached sports and spent many summers working for the Casper Recreation Department. He guided science and art field trips and provided archery and tennis instruction at the parks. Jim developed the Art department for Natrona County School District #1 Elementary schools, and was head of the department until 1987 and served in an executive position in the WEA for two years. In younger years Jim was active in Community Theater, played guitar and sang in a quartet. He wrote many songs in this time. His "Wyoming" song was introduced to the state legislature on a bill to be included as an official state song. It was performed on two different occasions in the Capitol building in Cheyenne. Jim was active in several community churches over the years, presently at the Highland Park Community Church. Jim was educated in Wyoming geology, an avid rock hound. Loving the outdoors, he spent time with his family, camping, hunting, fishing and skiing. After retirement Jim spent years working on his golf game. He loved ranching activities and enjoyed helping rancher friends in the Casper area. He kept his horses on Milne's KP ranch for many years and felt privileged to help with their ranching activities. Jim is survived by Laverne, his wife of 65 years. Sister: Etta Faye Odin of Cooper, TX, Children: Jimmy & (Carol) Grimes of Boulder, WY, Mona & (Glenn) Schaaf of Fulshear, TX. Grandchildren: Ryan (Kristina) Schaaf, Amber Grimes, Misty Grimes, Todd Schaaf. Great grandchildren: Brynn and Bryce Schaaf. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on October 5, 2012 at Highland Park Community Church with Pastor John Spear officiating. Reception will follow at the Casper Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made in Jim's name to Central Wyoming Rescue Mission, P. O. Box 2030, Casper, Wyoming. Cremation has been held.

Service

Friday, October 5, 2012 10:00am

Highland Park Community Church

East 2nd

Casper, Wyoming 82609