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BORN
1941
DIED
2025
James Grimaud Obituary
Memorial Mass in celebration of Jim's life; Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, Thursday, October 9, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation 8:30 a.m. Jim donated his body to Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Memorial contributions in Jim's name are appreciated: SPENSA, P.O. Box 51026, St. Louis, MO 63152, or The Oxford House, 1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Memories and Condolences
for James Grimaud
Joe Cronin
October 8, 2025
I knew Jim as a teacher, coach, spiritual advisor and most importantly a friend. He was such a positive influence on the lives of so many during his years at St. Dominic in the 70's. We also spent a few weeks together in Europe as a group of American "ambassadors". I was a wild child and about 25 years ago he looked me up in OFallon. I think he just wanted to know that I turned out okay. Jim taught me that the good Lord would take care of those who led good, Christian, purpose driven lives that tried to make the world better. He lived that life to a tee. Grimaud family, know that he is in the Lord's hands now and reaping the rewards of a life well lived.
Jeanie Otis Hamm
October 1, 2025
Our prayers & love are with Sharon & the entire Grimaud Family. We will treasure our memories of Jim forever.
Jim & Jan Otis Family & Jeanie Otis Hamm Family
Diane Garea
September 29, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Hoping all your memories will bring a smile to your face and ease your pain.
Diane and Joe (Torretti) Garea
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Jane Koeller
September 28, 2025
Sharon, we just learned about Jim´s passing..
Please accept Ed and My sincere condolences.
Jim was great guy! We remember our 4 week trip with you two. What a great time we had! Ed and I do not get out much. We both need assistance in walking.
Please let the children know we are very sorry for your loss.
Susan Miklovic
September 27, 2025
Sharon, Debbie, Deni, Danny, Janie, Judy, Jill, John, Jerry, Jane, Jeanne, Joe, Jeff and Nancy, Please accept my deepest sympathy on Jim's passing. I know you will all miss him very much. Jim will be missed by many. He touched so many lives. Jim was a very giving person. His life was one of service to God, to family and to everyone he met. Jim was an incredibly kind person. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I will miss Jim. I know many others will also miss him.
Betsy Ostrander
September 25, 2025
I remember Father Grimaud when he chaperoned our People to People tour to Europe in 1971. He was so kind, funny and laid-back. He helped our friend Susan when she had to return home due to her father passing away. He was a gentle soul and I am so sorry for your loss.
JOSEPH G. MIKLOVIC
September 23, 2025
In Memory of James Vincent "Jim" Grimaud (JVG) ...
James Vincent "Jim" Grimaud, known affectionately as "JVG", was born into Heaven, leaving behind a legacy of faith, mentorship, and athletic excellence that touched countless lives in St. Louis and beyond.
Ordained as an Archdiocesan priest in 1968, Jim devoted his early years to ministry while also pursuing a deep commitment to education. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he earned his teaching credentials and transitioned into a role that would allow him to impact young people in a different way: as a teacher, coach, and mentor.
Education & Mentorship
Alumni and community recollections celebrate Jim´s work at University City High School, where he not only taught but also directed a memorable production of The Wiz. Under his guidance, students discovered and showcased their talents, learning both the art of theater and the value of dedication.
At Roosevelt High School, Jim was a dedicated mentor to young athletes, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and character. One notable example is Vedad Ibisevi´c, a Bosnian soccer player who attended Roosevelt, earned a scholarship to Saint Louis University (SLU), and went on to play professionally for several teams in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Germany. Jim´s coaching and mentorship provided the foundation and encouragement that helped shape the path of athletes like Vedad, reflecting his profound impact on student development both on and off the field.
Athletics & Sportsmanship
Jim´s love for sports extended far beyond formal coaching. Alongside students from Assumption Parish and with his brother John & I, he played in the GECO men´s league in North County and Forest Park. A dedicated soccer player, Jim was selected for a semi-professional team but chose not to play so his teammates - John & I who weren´t selected ( got 'cut' ) could continue together-a testament to his character and humility.
He remained active in sports well into his later years, participating in mini-triathlons that included swimming, biking, and running. His athleticism complemented his teaching and mentorship, modeling discipline, perseverance, and teamwork for the youth he coached.
Personal Memories (with a Laugh!)
Jim was also a steadfast friend and guide - and apparently, a man with perfect timing. In 1972, Jim married Susan & I, and at our rehearsal dinner he was filling out the Catholic Church marriage paperwork. Calmly, as though he were asking whether I wanted BBQ or a brat, he looked up and asked, "When did you two attend the Pre-Cana workshop?" It was at that exact moment I realized - we hadn´t. My heart fell into my shoes and my mind began listing every wedding detail we´d have to undo: the out-of-town guests, the church flowers, the printed programs, the aisle runner, the tuxedos, flower girls, ring bearers, musicians, altar boys, Jill´s borrowed wedding dress, the reception hall deposit, the catered food, the DJ, the case of chilled champagne, the honeymoon in Europe, the wedding cake I had already picked up that day - and, of course, the horrified look on our parents´ faces when we told them the wedding was postponed.
Jim, unfazed by my silent meltdown, smiled and said, "Well, you graduated from a Jesuit college with a minor in theology & philosophy - that´s good enough." Instantly, the color returned to my face, my heart rate dropped back to normal, and I decided then and there that if Jim said it was good enough for the Church, it was good enough for me. And so, the wedding went on - no refunds needed!
Legacy
JVG´s life demonstrates a rare blend of faith, education, and athletics. His dedication to mentoring young people, his energy on the playing field, and his commitment to fostering both mind and body leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Students, athletes, and community members remember Jim for his encouragement, integrity, humor, and the joy he brought into every endeavor.
Though he is gone, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched - on the soccer fields, in the theater halls, and in the hearts of those he guided.
May his Memory be Eternal.
Happy Birthday into Heaven !
Heidi Gans
September 22, 2025
My sympathies for the whole family....Jim was a wonderful man, and was always kind to everyone. I will never forget him. ((hugs))
Jim Lynn
September 21, 2025
Dear Nancy and Jill, I offer my condolence for your loss of Jim.
Fond memories of you both from the 1960s.
Jim Lynn
Perth Western Australia
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