The Jim Grimm Family
James Robert Grimm—named after my brother James and his father’s brother Bob—was, from the very beginning, an easy baby, an easy child, and an easy adult. Like his older brother—and really, like all four of my sons— Jim has always watched over me and checked on me. Being their mom has been a joy… most of the time.
Jim is probably the most like me, which is why I’ve always called him my soulmate. We see the world in similar ways, feel things deeply, and understand each other without a lot of explanation. That connection has been one of the quiet gifts of my life.
Who Jim Is
Jim Grimm—“Jimmy” when he was younger—is a friend first and foremost. If Jim meets someone who needs help, encouragement, guidance, or simply someone to listen, he doesn’t hesitate. It doesn’t matter whether that person came into his life through work, one of the many networking events he attends, or a random crossing of paths—Jim will step in.
He stays connected until the help is no longer needed or until life naturally carries them in different directions. I could tell story after story that shows Jim’s heart for people. His instinct is always to help, to include, and to make sure no one feels alone.
And Jim is also our family comedian. He keeps us laughing at gatherings—and we have a lot of them. I’m fairly sure we (and by “we,” I mean me) are always looking for an excuse to bring the family together.
Family & Life Today
Jim lives in Houston, Texas with his wife, Anna, and their three children—Simon, Jennie, and James Robert Jr. Together they’ve built a busy, loving household full of activity, laughter, and the everyday moments that make family life rich.
Anna, who is from Vietnam, has been a wonderful addition to our family. Through her, we’ve learned more about culture, perspective, and the many ways families are formed—not just by biology, but by love, commitment, and shared life. I treasure having an inclusive family, and Anna fits into ours beautifully.
Work, Passions & Joy
Jim has spent his career in sales, specializing in relationship-based selling—an area where his natural ability to connect with people truly shines. As he approaches retirement, I find myself looking forward to what comes next for him: more time, fewer schedules, and space to simply enjoy life.
At his core, Jim’s first passion is taking care of his family and providing well for them. Right behind that is his instinct to look out for others—neighbors, friends, and anyone who happens to cross his path and needs a hand.
And Jim knows how to have fun. We love playing games together, traveling, spending time at the beach, and just being together. One of the things I’m most excited about is a Caribbean cruise planned for February with Jim and Anna—and Jack and Nan. I can’t wait to see all of us making memories together.
Favorite Memories
When Jim was about ten years old, we were living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where their dad was attending Bible college. One evening, one of the coordinators for the Wednesday night service came to me and asked if “Jimmy” might be willing to help by reading scripture during the service.
I remember thinking he was so young—but Jim stepped right in, calm and willing, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He stood up in front of the congregation and read clearly, confidently, and without a hint of nervousness. In that moment, I saw something that has stayed with me ever since: Jim’s quiet courage and his ability to rise to what’s needed without making a fuss.
That moment captured so much of who he would become—steady, dependable, and willing to show up when asked. There are countless other memories: laughter at family gatherings, his humor filling the room, the way he connects people who might otherwise never meet, and the care he takes with everyone around him.
Memory Spotlight: A Long-Held Dream
Jim has always loved children. Long before he ever became a father, he was Uncle Jim—the one who got down on the floor, played the games, listened to the stories, and made kids feel seen. Being with children came naturally to him, and wanting children of his own was something he carried quietly for a long time.
Life doesn’t always unfold on our timetable, and for many years it seemed that fatherhood might not be part of Jim’s story. Then one day, after Jim and Anna were married, they came to me with news that changed everything: Anna was pregnant.
I was thrilled, of course—and if I’m honest, a little anxious too. Becoming parents in their forties and fifties brought both excitement and concern. When my grandson, James Robert Jr., was born nearly eight years ago, there were serious complications during the delivery. It was a frightening time, and one that none of us will ever forget.
But today, both Anna and James Jr. are doing wonderfully. Watching Jim step into fatherhood has been one of the most meaningful gifts of my life. He didn’t rush it. He didn’t take it for granted. He became the kind of father who cherishes every moment—steady, present, and deeply grateful.
James Jr. is now in second grade, growing fast, and surrounded by love. And every time I see Jim with his children, I’m reminded that some dreams are worth waiting for—because when they arrive, they are that much sweeter.