John F. Grimes

John F. Grimes
July 9th, 1961 April 16th, 2025
John Grimes, a devoted husband, father, papaw, educator, and visionary leader in the beef industry, passed away peacefully at home on April 16th, 2025. Born and raised on his familys cattle operation in Decatur, Ohio, Johns love for agriculture took root early and shaped every chapter of his life.
A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, John earned a bachelors degree in Animal Science in 1983 and masters in Animal Science in 1988. John returned to his family farm after graduation, founding Maplecrest Farms, a purebred Angus seedstock operation that still stands today as a testament to his hard work and vision. In 1986, he married the love of his life, Joanie, and together they raised two daughters, Lindsey and Lauren, instilling in them the same values of hard work, service, and faith that John embodied throughout his life.
John dedicated over three decades to The Ohio State University as a champion for Ohios beef producers. Over the course of his career, John served as a County Extension Educator and, later, State Beef Extension Coordinator and tenured Associate Professor. Known for his practical insight and academic excellence, John authored countless educational programs, publications, and videos that elevated beef operations across the state. His nationally recognized research on early weaning of beef calves further demonstrated his commitment to innovation and improvement in the industry. He retired from OSU Extension on May 1, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering service.
John's influence extended far beyond the university. He held leadership roles in numerous organizations including the Ohio Cattlemens Association, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Angus Association, National Cattlemens Beef Association, American Angus Association, and the Beef Improvement Federation. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Angus Association from 2014 to 2020, where he chaired both the Angus Genetics Inc. Board and the Certified Angus Beef Board. Among his many honors, John was recognized with the Ohio Angus Associations Distinguished Service Award in 2015, the Industry Excellence Award from the Ohio Cattlemens Association, celebrating a lifetime of impact on the beef industry in 2022, and most recently John was inducted into The Ohio State University Animal Sciences Hall of Fame.
John Grimes was more than an accomplished cattlemanhe was a mentor, a servant leader, and a steadfast friend. His contributions to Ohio agriculture and beyond have shaped generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Nancy (West) Grimes and infant brother Mark. John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Joanie Grimes; daughters Lindsey (Adam) Hall and Lauren (Will) Coor; and his proudest accomplishments his grandchildren Holden and Henley Hall and Stokely and Bowen Coor. He is also survived by his siblings Joan (Brian) Garrett, David (Alisa) Grimes and Jennifer Grimes, in-laws John and Mary Shawhan, and a wide circle of family, friends, colleagues, and fellow cattlemen who will forever remember his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. The family would especially like to thank the literal angels on Earth who cared for John over the last two years. Your compassion, patience, and presence brought immeasurable comfort during a difficult time, and we are forever grateful.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday April 25, 2025, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday April 26th at the Hillsboro Global Methodist Church, 133 E Walnut St., Hillsboro, OH 45133. Funeral services will take place following visitation at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday April 26th at the church. Burial services will follow in the Prospect Cemetery in Hillsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Johns memory to the Angus Foundation, 3201 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64506 to support the John Grimes Memorial Angus Endowment Fund. The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc
Visitation
Hillsboro Global Methodist Church
Friday, April 25, 2025
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
133 E Walnut St.
Hillsboro, OH 45133
Visitation
Hillsboro Global Methodist Church
Saturday, April 26, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
133 E Walnut St.
Hillsboro, OH 45133
Funeral Service
Hillsboro Global Methodist Church
Saturday, April 26, 2025
11:00 AM
133 E Walnut St.
Hillsboro, OH 45133
Burial
Prospect Cemetery
Saturday, April 26, 2025
S.R. 73
Hillsboro, To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.