David James Grieve

Obituary for David James Grieve, Sr

David "Dave" Grieve was born on June 9, 1944, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Ralph and Mary Jane Grieve. Raised in a family devoted to education and service, Dave grew up alongside his sisters, Diane Jill and Linda Marie. Because his parents were Department of Defense schoolteachers, his childhood was shaped by travel and adventure, living in Newfoundland; Guam; and Subic Bay, Philippines.

Dave graduated from George Dewey High School in Subic Bay, Philippines, earning an NROTC scholarship to attend the University of Idaho. There, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically as a member of the university's swim team. It was also at the University of Idaho that he met the love of his life, Judith Grace Mustard.

Upon graduating in May 1966, Dave was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and soon received orders to deploy to Vietnam. Before his deployment, and following a 28-day engagement, Dave and Judy were married on August 27, 1966, in Boise, Idaho—beginning a lifelong partnership marked by love, resilience, and shared devotion to family and country.

Dave proudly served his nation for nearly three decades, including service during Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Over the course of his distinguished naval career, he held numerous leadership positions, including Commanding Officer of the USS Fearless MSO 442 and USS Jack Williams FFG24, Commodore of the West Coast Mine Force Fleet, and Commodore of the Fleet Training Group in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1995.

Following his military retirement, Dave continued contributing his expertise by working for Sonalysts in Newport RI and then in Orlando, Florida, where he was involved in complex military training simulations. In 2010, Dave and Judy moved to Clarks Hill, South Carolina, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Dave had a deep love for scuba diving, orchids, photography, computers, and—most of all—his grandchildren. He was known for his curiosity, discipline, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary Jane Grieve, and his sister, Linda West, and niece Victoria West. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judith Grieve; his daughter, Jodi Huff, and her husband, Joe; his son, Dave Grieve Jr., and his wife, Jennifer; his grandchildren Katherine Huff Banks and her husband Nathan; Thomas Huff; Grace Huff; Kara Grieve; Meredith Grieve; and Julia Grieve; and his great-granddaughter, MaryHixon Banks. Also, his sister Jill Thomas and husband Gary; brother-in-law Jim West; nieces Alex West and Kadee Tuttle; nephews Max West, Nick West and Lance Ayreff; brother-in-law George Mustard and nieces Jamie Mustard and Erin Sato.

Dave's life was one of service, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Memorial Service to be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way Augusta GA at 4 pm on February 21st, 2026. Live stream: www.covenantaugusta.org.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way Augusta GA 30909 or GAP Ministries PO Box 901, Augusta GA 30903.