James J. "Jim" Grimmer

James J. "Jim" Grimmer, 93, passed away, peacefully, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family. It was two years, to the day, since the passing of his beloved son, Kevin, who died from ALS on November 6, 2023.

Born on May 6, 1932, in Utica, Jim was the son of Gerald and Elizabeth (Murray) Grimmer. He grew up in South Utica alongside his brothers, Bill and Murray and sister, Gerry (Riley), in a close-knit and faith-filled family.

Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a radio technician stationed in England. Following his service, he began a long and successful career with New York Telephone, starting as an installer and retiring as a service foreman in 1988.

On February 2, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Maureen Raymer, in St. Peter's Church, North Utica. Together, they shared a devoted, joy-filled union of 68 years blessed with seven children, Jim, Kevin (Sheila), Karen (Bill), Suzanne (Dave), Lisa (Greg), Margaret (Jeff) and Mary (Richard). They raised their family in North Utica, instilling in their children the importance of faith, education and family. All seven attended St. Peter's Elementary School and Notre Dame High School; all went on to four-year colleges which was a point of great pride for Jim and Maureen. In 1989, Jim and Maureen purchased their retirement home in Forestport, where they enjoyed many wonderful years together. They loved traveling in their motorhome, especially to their favorite destinations including Bar Harbor, St. Augustine and Captiva. In 2023, they moved to Smith Hill Rd., Deerfield, where Jim spent his final years surrounded by the care, comfort and love of his family. He passed away peacefully at home.

Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Maureen; children and their spouses; his cherished 22 grandchildren, Nick (Michelle), Megan (Jeff), Alex, Rachel, Mia, Nick, Matt, Julia, Maria, Tim (Jessica), Abby, Andrew, Haley (Luke), Maggie, Kate, Claire, Emma, Lily, Sydney, Brendan, Benjamin and Henry; and 6 great-grandchildren, Evan, Nolan, Eliza, Avery, Jack and Emily.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Campus, Utica, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Utica.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances, in Jim's name, may be made to ALS of Utica (www.alsutica.org). Envelopes will be available at the Mass.

Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Messages of sympathy at www.mmknfd.com.