Col. Jerry S. Grimes

August 5, 1933 - February 27, 2022

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First Presbyterian Church of Big Spring

Friday 3/4, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Col. Jerry S. Grimes, age 88 of Big Spring passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30pm Friday, March 4, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church.

He was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina on August 5, 1933 to parents Samuel William Grimes and Arlene (Allsbrook) Grimes. Col. Grimes married Kathleen Thomas on July 15, 1963

Col. Grimes is a 1955 graduate of North Carolina State College where he received his Air Force Commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He completed undergraduate pilot training at Webb AFB, Texas in 1956 and was retained in Air Training Command as an instructor pilot. In 1963 he was assigned to the Tactical Air Command and served as a reconnaissance pilot in USAFE and later two tours in Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam Conflict, Col. Grimes flew 253 combat missions in RB-66 and RF4-C aircraft. His decorations include The Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, The Air Medal with thirteen Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Katie Grimes, two children, Dr. Jerry S. Grimes, Jr. an orthopedic surgeon, in Lubbock, Texas and Kristie Schlechte, a research scientist with USDA in Kerrville, Texas, and two grandsons, Gabriel and Braedon Schlechte.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and one grandson.

The family would like to give special thanks to Interim Healthcare and Hospice, especially Tara Green, Danielle Guidry, Hermalinda Gonzalez, and Mary Pena, and Kindred Kare’s Marcellus Rangel and Letricia Cruz.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com . Donations in Jerry’s name may be made to The Hanger 25 Museum, The Heritage Museum, or First Presbyterian Church of Big Spring.

First Presbyterian Church of Big Spring

Friday 3/4, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Col. Jerry S. Grimes, age 88 of Big Spring passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30pm Friday, March 4, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church. He was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina on August 5, 1933 to parents Samuel William Grimes and Arlene (Allsbrook) Grimes. Col. GrimesContinue Reading

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Katie, I’m so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him. Know that I am sending you love and prayers for peace. Nancy

So here's a nickel on the grass for you my friend "Jerry Grimes" for your spirt, enthusiasm, sacrifice, courage and leadership-but most of all your friendship. Yours is a dying breed. And now the world is a lessor place.

My sincere condolences to the Grimes family. Adios to a great friend and fellow Air force pilot. Many great memories of our time together at Webb. A nickel on the grass!

Katie, I just heard that Jerry was cleared "direct, VFR/OT". Like many, I was privileged to know and serve with Jerry at Webb during the '60s. He was an integral of Chester Butcher's team that was so successful in those years. Ever the gentleman and professional, he was a model of what our Air Force officers should aspire to become. I'll miss him always. God bless you all, Doug.

Dear cousin Katie, please know that Jennifer and I are holding you and the rest of the family in our arms. I was always proud that Jerry was also my cousin (not of that in-law stuff). We love you. gil

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The Colonel was one of the good ones. He will be greatly missed.

Katie & family: I found out Tuesday, upon returning from Ft. Worth of a friend’s funeral, about Jerry’s passing. Jerry & your family have been on my mind ever since- Jerry was as fine a man as I’ve ever known, & I can’t ever remember hearing an unkind word about Jerry. He was a pleasure to be around & I’ll treasure the memories of all the good times shared among the Thomas, Grimes, & Jones families. Katie, I’ll get down there to see you ASAP- Jimmie Dee

Our sympathies extended to Jerry's family. Truly a remarkable leader and accomplishments recognized by all of his friends, family, and Air Force veterans who had the honor and pleasure of serving Col. Grimes. May he rest in peace.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry to read of Jerry's passing. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with Katie and the family.

Katie, Stephanie and I are so sorry for your loss. Jerry was one of those once-in-a-lifetime people and it was my honor to tell his story this past year in his home county here in North Carolina. Peace be with you, the family and Jerry's many friends. RIP, my friend.

You & family are in my 🙏. Jerry was a pain for me when Vince & I started dating. He was ALWAYS teasing me & I didn’t know how to handle it. But after Vince said “that’s Jerry!” He & Vince are having fun together now 🛩

My deepest sympathy to the Grimes family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. May God bless you and your family. Dan & Mary Elliott (Catlett, Va.)

Jerry was one of the good guys!! Handsome, charming, smart, educated, and funny. He was married to one of my best friends, Katie, and he loved her dearly. We will all miss him and send Katie and their children and grandchildren prayers of peace and sympathy. Peggy Isaacks Jones

Most sincere sympathy, love, and prayers.

Thinking of you, Katie. 💕

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.