Frederick Michael Grimes was born to Ernestine and Frederick Grimes in St Louis, MO on April 19, 1945. After completing Sumner High School where he played football and ran track, Michael joined the United States Air Force and served two tours of duty as a jet mechanic in Vietnam.
After leaving the service, Michael settled in California and began his civilian career as a program manager at the Alameda Naval Air Rework Facility. With recognition for his leadership and analytical skills, Michael moved to senior logistics analyst and retired in 2004 as supervisor logistics analyst at Edwards Air Force Base in Long Beach.
In keeping with his high energy and competitive spirit, Michael’s retirement was full of new ventures, including a new career in the mortgage lending business. Once again his leadership skills were recognized. He moved in just four years from loan officer to regional manager at National Lending Company of Cerritos, California.
Michael courageously battled cancer and diabetes in recent years. He transitioned from this earth on March 30, 2012 at 8:30 am.
He leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Michael Grimes of Fresno, CA, Michael Grimes of St Louis, MO and Jamey Grimes of St. Louis, MO; four sisters Sheila Williams of St Louis, MO, Dr. Freida Moore of Memphis, TN, Mary Elizabeth Grimes of St Louis, MO and Felicia (Don) Rifflemacher of Rutland, MA ; one brother, Raun (Alexi) Ruffin of New York, NY; six grandchildren; four nieces; three nephews and a host of family and friends.
Memorial Mass: Monday, April 9, 2012, 10 am, at St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd., St. Louis, MO 63125.
