James Francis Grimsley, Jr.
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Published in The Republican on May 4, 2021
James Francis Grimsley, Jr., 58, of Pittsfield died Thursday, May 14, 2020 at home after a courageous battle with ALS.
Born in Westfield, MA., on February 18, 1962 to James F. and Lorraine Adamites Grimsley, he attended Westfield Schools. After high school, Jim entered the United States Navy and was honorably Discharged in 1985.
Mr. Grimsley was a self-employed and very talented carpenter, later working in the addiction treatment field, first at Doyle Detox and most recently at Keenan House. He was a long-time friend of Bill W’s, a squirrel-whisperer and unofficial chipmunk trainer. Jim loved all New England sports teams. He was a beloved prankster, a playful spirit. Jim enjoyed traveling and live music.
Jim married his partner in crime, Rebecca Joppru Connolly on December 13, 2018 in Pittsfield, MA.
Besides his wife and mother, Jim is survived by his son; James Ribeiro of Indian Orchard, MA., step-son; Carson Connolly of Pittsfield, grandchildren; James Ribeiro Jr., Lily Ribeiro, Suraya Nellis, and Tiago Ribeiro, siblings; Kent Grimsley of Rockland, MA., Sharon Chambers of Westfield, MA., Michele Bean (Aaron) of Wilmington, NC., and Justin Grimsley (Jennifer) of Cheshire, CT., maternal grandmother; Ella Adamites of Southwick, MA and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
His funeral arrangements: Saturday May 8, 2021 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament church in Westfield, MA. Calling hours will be held from 10AM-11AM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS.
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