Jay Henry Grimes passed away on April 17,2023 quietly at home surrounded by family. Jay was born in Prineville on June 12, 1937, at the Prineville Hospital on the Corner 2nd and Deer St. He was born to Fred and Leatha (Roberts) Grimes and lived his whole life in Prineville. He was proceeded in death by all his siblings Edna (Grimes) Demaris, Allyn Mae (Grimes) Tomlinson and Jerry Grimes.
Jay was the last living grandchild to two of Crook County’s historic families the Grimes and the Roberts. Jay was the grandson of Henry and Samantha (Elliot) Grimes and Charles and Sadie (Gibson) Roberts.
Jay graduated from Crook County High School in 1955 and went to work in the forests. In 1958 he married Bethene (Callison) Grimes at Powell Bute Community Church and in June of 2023 would have celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Jay and Beth had three children: Fred, Chuck, and Ginger.
Jay worked for Consolidated Pine for 35 years in Prineville and after retirement he partnered with son Fred and ran Grimes Hi-Way Market where so many to this day remember his chicken.
Jay was active in Boy Scouts of America, Crook County Booster Club and he gave years of his life to the building of Ward Rhoden Football Stadium. He sat on the Crook County Fair Board for years and was active in rebuilding large parts of the Fair Ground facilities. He could be found following his kids in their sports and activities and supporting their 4-H Projects.
In 1971 he was named Crook County Catlewomen’s “Father of the Year” and was a great storyteller and beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Beth, son Fred and his daughter Autumn and her sisters Destanee and Tatyum Bundy and their mother Keri Grimes. Son Chuck and his wife Brenda and children Jayce, Callie, and Betsy. Daughter Ginger Savage and her husband Kerry and sons Blain Jay and his wife Whitney and Lee Robert Savage. He is remembered lovingly by his niece Jeanne Grimes and her mother Diane and countless friends and family members.
Jay’s Service will be held on Saturday April 29th at 10 am at Prineville Funeral Home and after the service a coffee and visitation gathering will be held at the Grimes Family Christmas Scene at the Crook County Fairgrounds.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Grimes Christmas Scene at First Interstate Bank to Grimes Scene Inc. or Crook County Historical Society.
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