James Grigsby

James Frederick Grigsby passed away on February 6, 2026, at the age of 89.
Jim was born in Burley, Washington, and grew up in Ballard with his parents, Lyndal and Lawrence, and his three siblings. At the young age of 15, he lied about his age to join the military. He enlisted in the Air Force but was transferred to the Marine Corps, where he was trained as an explosives operator. Jim served in the Korean War and was injured by shrapnel in his leg from a landmine explosion and then was shot in the shoulder while saving a group of Army guys. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged after four years of service.

After returning home, Jim married and had two biological children, Stacy and James, who gave him five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. On July 31, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Maureen O'Sullivan Grigsby. They shared 53 wonderful years together before Maureen's passing. Maureen had three daughters, Christine, Barbara, and Patricia, and Jim became their dad in every way that mattered. He remained a devoted father to them for the rest of his life and passed away peacefully in Patricia's home. Through the three girls, Jim had eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and countless extended family members and friends who lovingly called him "Papa", a role he embraced so naturally. Jim and Maureen lived in Lake City, Edmonds, and then spent the last 30 years in Brier, WA.

Although Jim did not graduate from high school before entering the military, he was an avid reader and a true trivia buff. He kept his mind sharp with word games, books, the news, and crossword puzzles. His grandchildren would call him whenever they needed help with homework, or even just to find out what the weather would be... because Papa always seemed to know everything. Jim worked as a real estate appraiser for most of his career and knew every back road in Seattle from years of driving to appraise homes. He loved a clean house, a homemade meal, and a good nap. His wit was unmatched, and his sarcasm came effortlessly. Standing six feet tall, a tattooed Marine with a smart-aleck comeback ready at any moment, he could seem tough... but none of that compared to his enormous heart or the soft, sentimental man he became around his girls. A true family man, if you called and needed anything, Papa Jim would come running. He loved family dinners, so long as they weren't too loud and no one disturbed the perfect lines in his carpet. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family. He could talk with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for hours, sharing stories while always making sure to ask about their lives and interests.

Jim and Maureen enjoyed chatting with friends and strangers alike at their local coffee shop or the VA hospital. He loved fishing, but his stories were often bigger than the fish he caught. He had a gift for woodworking and created treasured pieces for his family, including planter boxes, dog houses, bird houses, teeter-totters, marble boards, doll bassinets, and wood art. In his younger years, Jim raised homing pigeons and carried his love of animals throughout his life, especially his beloved pets Reddi, Roxy, and Bindi. Jim and Maureen also cherished traveling, particularly when they could do so with family.

After a lifetime of being the tough guy, Jim showed a different side of himself following Maureen's passing. He was vulnerable, heartbroken, and deeply tender. In the last year and a half of his life, he loved more openly than ever before as if he knew his time was drawing near and wanted to make sure everyone understood just how deeply they were loved. Papa Jim... the man, the myth, the legend... lived a big, beautiful life surrounded by family, and his love and sarcasm will carry on through all who knew him.

1936- February 6, 2026