Dr. John E. Grimes Jr., formerly of Murphysboro
Dr. John E. Grimes Jr., 86, and a clinical psychologist in Charleston, Illinois, died peacefully on Aug. 29, 2019.
He was born July 16, 1933 in Murphysboro, to Lorene Anna Vaughn Grimes and John Edward Grimes Sr.
He attended St. Andrew's Parochial School, Murphysboro High School and obtained bachelors and masters of arts degrees from Southern Illinois University. His doctorate came from the University of Arizona.
He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Sea Scout and Eagle Scout, who earned many top Scouting awards. A three-year U.S. Army veteran, he specialized in military counterintelligence, serving his country in Aschaffenburg, Germany from 1957-1958. He was a proud member of the Army Russian Choir's "Black Ravens".
He was a dedicated member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and choir, the Knights of Columbus, the Murphysboro Elks, Mattoon Eagles and many professional organizations.
Dr. Grimes was a psychologist at Eastern Illinois University's Counseling Center for 12 years. He was a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Diplomat in Marital-Family Therapy in private practice for 24 years in Charleston, where he dedicated his life to helping others live more comfortably in their own lives.
He will be fondly recalled as the chauffeur who voluntarily drove many others to appointments and by thousands as the man who administered their GED exams.
He is survived by his children, John Grimes, Kathy Grimes Sbarboro and Karen (Terry) Grimes Swejkoski; grandchildren Jacquelyn Amanda Armstrong (fiancé Mellissa), Michael Sbarboro (fiancé Ilse), John Sbarboro and Sage Swejkoski; great-grandson Niko Sbarboro; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Patrick M. Grimes, sister-in-law Mary Kay Sharkey Grimes, niece Judith Grimes and son-in-law James Sbarboro.
Memorials may be made to the SBL Peace Meal Program in Charleston or the Charleston Food Pantry.
Services honoring his life will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the funeral liturgy at 11 a.m.
The committal service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 at St. Andrews Cemetery in Murphysboro.
For more information, visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.