Jesse William Grimm

JESSE WILLIAM GRIMM

Apr. 17, 1933 - Dec. 21, 2010

Calexico has lost a great family man, friend and life-long Soldier. On December 21, 2010 Jesse "Jess" Grimm passed away in San Diego, CA.
Jesse was born in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, came to Imperial Valley in 1976 and married Virginia Grimm in 1976 in Las Vegas.
Jess' love and commitment to his country is evidenced by his 24 years of military service having served two tours of duty in Korea and four years in Vietnam for the United States Army. He retired as a Master Sergeant. During his military career he made 703 paratrooper jumps with the 503rd Airborne Regiment. Jess' military awards include Combat Infantry Badge 3rd, Master Parachute Wings; Good Conduct Medals; Air medals, numerous Service Ribbons, and was twice awarded the Bronze Star-V. Jess felt a strong sense of obligation to his military family. He made it his goal to inform veterans about the VA Health Care benefits and was always willing to help them complete the lengthy forms. His hope was that one day all Missing in Action soldiers would be accounted for so they "could all rest easy again." This is probably why Jess made it his mission to ensure every Veteran in Imperial County was honored at their final resting place with a 21 Gun Salute and Taps. It is certain Jess has taken over the welcoming of Veterans as they pass through heaven's gates, and their awakening to Reveille! Jess' resilient service ethic transcended into his community. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 90, American Vets Post 94, the Purple Heart Association and Elks Lodge 1382. He was VFW Post 1637 Commander (1997-2000) VFW Quarter Master (2000-2010), Jess was a driven fundraiser though raffles and serving Friday night dinners. Funds collected were used to support Pop Warner football, children activities, and anyone less fortunate. He was Veteran of the Year, 1999; and ELK of the Year, (1999-2000 and 2006-2007). He took much pride in serving on the Calexico Veterans Monument Committee, established May 26, 2007.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Jesse Grimm and Loraine L. Eads; children, John and Charles Grimm.
Jess is survived by his wife, Virginia "Lety" of 34 years; children, Mark of El Reno OK, J. Michael of Las Vegas, Miguel A. Navarro of Los Angeles; daughter-in-law Gina Rodriquez-Navarro; sister, Dee Heyerdahl of Mill Creek, WA; grandsons, Jeremy Grimm and Miguel Giovanni Navarro; numerous nieces and nephews.
Military Honors will be conducted on April 16, 2011, 11 a.m. at the Calexico Veteran Memorial and Monument at the corner of Heber and Seventh Street. Immediately following, a Celebration of Life service will be held at the Calexico ELKS Lodge from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Rest easy dear husband, father, friend, and proud veteran.