Joseph (Joe) Grimes

passed away April 5, 2018 in Poulsbo, Washington at the age of 95. His children, friends and his dog were with him at the time of his passing.Joe was born April 27, 1922 in East Orange, New Jersey to Joseph Grimes & Lucy Grimes (Creighton). He attended schools in Newark, New Jersey where he enjoyed time with his family, cousins and neighbors. Following high school graduation he worked as a union carpenter in New York, Florida and Tennessee. He began college and worked at the YMCA where he met Margaret Anne (Peggy) Waldron of Montclair, New Jersey. He joined the Army Reserve Corps and began studies at Virginia Polytechnic University before being activated in the US Army. Private Grimes served in the 334 Infantry, 84th Division of the 9th Army in France, Belgium and Holland before being captured at the Battle of the Bulge. He and several others escaped during a forced march and were liberated by Canadian forces near Russia. He was recuperating in Brussels on VE day and spent further time recuperating in Atlantic City, New Jersey where Peggy would visit. They were married December 28, 1946.Joe received his Bachelor of Science from Panzer College in 1947 and a Doctor of Education from New York University in 1954. He was well respected during his long career in education, mostly as a Superintendent of Schools in New York, Connecticut and California. He enjoyed time with his family during those years, as well, with Sunday drives, road trips in the summers, camping and boating and swimming, and passing on his love of books.He was Superintendent of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District until 1982 when he retired. He enjoyed sailing and travel during this time. After he retired he served as Interim Superintendent in several districts, finally settling on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He and Peggy enjoyed gardening and propagating rhododendrons, travel throughout the west, including the Oregon Coast, many National Parks, the Ashland Shakespeare Festival, and time in Seattle. Many of their travels included visits to their three children in Oregon and California.Joe is survived by daughter Marilyn DeRoy (James DeRoy) of Hansville, Washington; son Christopher Grimes (Barbara Brenner) of Citrus Heights, California; grandchildren Sean Grimes of Arcata, California and Devin Grimes of Eureka, California.Joe was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Margaret Anne Grimes (Waldron), on February 20, 2015 and by his son Mark Grimes on October 31, 2015.A memorial will take place in the future on the Bainbridge ferry. For additional information contact grimesplanet@gmail.com.