Jerry A. Grimsley, born in Monmouth, Illinois on January 20, 1945, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Kennewick, Washington. Jerry was the son of Guy and Val (Devinney) Grimsley. His family relocated to Kennewick in the 1950's to be closer to his mother's relatives, Don and Ruth Coates.

Jerry spent his childhood and adult life in the Tri-Cities area, attending Burbank schools and graduating from Kennewick High School in 1964. He married Rita McClendon (Stancik) on January 29, 1966, and they had two children: Lisa Grimsley (Brenner) and Patrick Grimsley.

Jerry graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and became a dedicated and passionate grade school teacher in the Richland School District. He made lasting impressions on his students, many of whom still to this day share fond memories of his fun-loving approach to education and his ability to keep them engaged in the classroom.

In mid-life Jerry tried his hand at restaurant ownership running Family Place Restaurant in Kennewick, well known for fantastic omelets. In his free time he took pleasure in the outdoors - hunting, fishing and boating on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Later, Jerry married Nancy (Colcord) and they enjoyed golfing and hosting family meals at their home in Kennewick. Always a card player, Jerry also found pleasure in playing poker with his brother, Kent Grimsley, other cousins and friends, and going to the movies almost every week. Above all, Jerry loved celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with his children. He found immense joy in decorating for Christmas and giving presents; he would prepare months in advance and excitedly choose each gift, hoping to bring happiness to his loved ones. Jerry's enthusiasm for giving gifts to his children and grandchildren will be missed but never forgotten. His love language was undoubtedly gift-giving.

As a devoted member of Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, Jerry had a heart for helping children through his church community; cooking meals and otherwise providing food for those in need as he was able. Jerry's hope rested in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and his family finds comfort knowing he is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Lisa Grimsley (Brenner), her husband Mike Brenner of Honduras and granddaughter Taylor (Brenner) Keightley and her husband Bryan of San Diego; his son Patrick Grimsley and his wife Naomi Grimsley and their three sons Titus, Levi, and Shadrach of Hood River, Oregon; his brother Kent Grimsley of Kennewick and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, his loving mother, and his wife Nancy Colcord.

Memorial service will be held on Friday March 7, 2:00 PM at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick.