John R. Grimes, 78, went to be with his  Heavenly Father that he preached of for decades, on January 26, 2026 in Newport News, VA.

Prior to his death, his loving caretaker wife of 58 years, Karen, was faithfully by his hospital bed side daily, along with visits from his children, granddaughter, friends, Pastor James Weston, Menchville Church Community, and his sisters, who saw him just hours before his passing.

John was born in Tawas City, Michigan to the late Paul and Ellen Grimes and also influenced greatly by his late loving grandparents, Lois and William.

Mr. Grimes was an overcomer all his life, despite the challenges thrown at him.  From life-threatening illnesses as a child, serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, family matters, working several jobs to support his family, officiating his own brother's funeral and then later in life, open heart surgery, which ended up providing him 12 additional years to love and serve.

Answering the call of God to preach, Pastor John was ordained into the ministry in 1977 at the former Central Avenue Baptist Church in the Inner City of Detroit, where he ministered to people from all walks of life.  Later, he would pastor the Glen Eden Baptist Church, Taylor, Michigan and Beaconsfield Baptist Church, Eastpointe, Michigan.

Prior to pastoring churches, John was already making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, through jail ministry in the greater Pontiac, Michigan area and active roles at the First Baptist Church, Pontiac, Michigan and the former Hillcrest Baptist Church, Pontiac, Michigan.

John preached and believed in grace, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation, as was evidenced by his reconnection with estranged family members.  Despite having little, he and Karen strived to create lasting memories for the children with all their family members.

After retiring, he was active in various churches as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, substitute pastor, visiting the sick and touching the lives of many, lastly at Menchville Baptist Church, Newport News, under the loving guidance of Pastor Jim Weston. Jim was a stalwart and a great source of comfort during this final illness, visiting the hospital daily, along with many members of the church. Thank you to each one who have made a lasting difference.

Surviving are his wonderful wife, Karen; Sons: John, Jr, Jason Grimes (Heather); Daughter: Kari  Grimes (Dennis); apple of his eye, beloved granddaughter Samantha Grimes;  Sisters: Joyce Christensen(Bruce), Jo Ann Hatch, Janet Vohwinkle (John), Judi Mitchel (Mike), Jyl Holland (Rob).  Brothers: Jerry Grimes, Joe Grimes and Willard Grimes.  Preceded in death brother Jim Grimes (Mira) and Jeanne Morris (Tom).

Burial with military honors will be conducted at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Friday, May 22, 2026, 11:00 AM.