John William Grimes

Surrounded by family, John William Grimes passed away at his home in Jasper, TN on Friday, October 16th. John was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, educator, coach, mentor, and leader whose life was dedicated to serving the students, athletes, and community of Marion County, Tennessee. Known for his commitment to education, his love of athletics, and his lasting impact on generations of young people, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered for years to come.

He graduated from Marion County High School in 1965. While in school, he played on the football team for three years, served as a captain for the basketball team his senior year, and was named All-SVC in basketball. His love for sports and leadership defined his time in school and would later define his career.

At Middle Tennessee State University, he continued to nurture his love of athletics and leadership, playing on the baseball team and then serving as a student manager of the team from 1967-1969. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 then continued his education to earn his Masters of Administration in 1972.

Starting his career in his beloved town, Johnny began teaching at the elementary school level for two years. He then moved to his Alma Mater, MCHS, to teach Physical Science and Physical Education in 1971. In 1976, he was named the MCHS Assistant Principal and served in that role for the next 20 years. From 1996 to 2004, he served as the Principal. In 1974 he was responsible for restarting and coaching the baseball program, a program that is still thriving today. He served as the head basketball coach from 1971 to 1978 where his 1972 team had a 25-4 record with a 20-game winning streak and a sub-state appearance. In an effort to not leave any sport unrepresented, he even served as an assistant coach to the wrestling team, a head coach of the girls volleyball team, and organized and coached the first golf team in 1990 where the team won the district in 1994.

After his time at MCHS, he moved to the Marion County Central Office where he served as the Director of Curriculum for grades 9-12 from 2005-2014. After this role in administration, he “retired” after serving the Marion County School System for 45 years. His love for this school was unwavering and when the school needed an Assistant Principal for one year in 2016, he couldn't turn down the offer. He served in this role for one year then entered his official retirement. Despite the “official retirement,” almost every single Friday night, every home game, and every away game he was on the field volunteering for the football team. His impact on the school system will be everlasting and his effect on all of the students he taught will echo for generations to come.

This impact has not gone without recognition. He was named the SVC and Tri-State Coach of the Year for basketball in 1972, in 1994 he was named the Golf Coach of the Year, in 2007 he was named the AA Bridges District Administrator of the Year, in 2013 he was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame for his administrative work, in 2022 he was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in administration, along with countless other awards, accolades, and honors. He was also inducted into the MCHS Hall of Fame in 2002. In his honor an annual award called the “Johnny Grimes Spirit of MCHS Award” is presented to a senior student, and in 2023 the street at the very front of the school was named “Johnny Grimes Way” to commemorate his dedication, commitment, and love he poured into the school.

Along with the love for his town and his school, he also had a great lifetime love for traveling with his family and friends. From the annual visit to the “Pirate Ship” pool in Orlando, cross-country road trips out west with his family, all the way to international ocean and river cruises, his love for travel was present throughout his whole life. Of course, he did it all while wearing MCHS hoodies and ballcaps.

John served many civic duties throughout his lifetime. He was a Jasper City Alderman for two terms, volunteered with the Marion County Food Bank, served as a chairperson for the McKendree UMC administrative council, the Marion County Health Council, and was active in many other civic ventures.

The most important duty he fulfilled was that for his family. He married the “girl from the rival school” and had two daughters who filled his life full of great joy. Even more so, his three grandsons kept him young and were an integral part of his life. His sense of humor was not like any other and he was always the life of the party.

Not only did he lead a life full of family, but he was blessed with numerous lifelong friends whom he loved so dearly. The bi-annual gatherings of his high school friends were some of the most important times of the year for him and not just because they fell on Super Bowl weekend. He will be loved and remembered by all of them.

He is preceded by his parents, Will and Bessie Lee Forrester Grimes, and his siblings, Mary Nell “Tootie” Grimes, Charles Grimes, and Betty Ogelsby.

He is succeeded by his wife, June, his daughters, Lindsay (Brent) Horton and Lauren Grimes, his grandsons, Will King, Asher and Beckett Horton, his nieces Ginger Garrett, Cindy Levine, and Charla Grimes (Fred Whisnant), and his nephews, Bill (Brenda) Ogelsby, and Terry Grimes; along with his dear pets, Hazel, Quentin, Knight, and Brillo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Marion County Community Ministries, mccm@mccmfbgn.org or Marion Animal Resource Connection, marc4change.org; or a donation to the Marion County High School, “Johnny Grimes Spirit of MCHS Award” or a charitable donation of your choice.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday afternoon on November 1st, 2026 at the Jasper Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home.

Family visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (CST). A time of remembrance will follow, and all are encouraged to share their memories and life stories at that time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, Jasper Chapel, 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, Tennessee 37347. (423-942-2682)