Life will never be the same without George “Bud” Grimm Jr. since he had such a zest for life that made its way into everything he did. Traditions with his family such as Sunday gatherings, holiday celebrations, and just the ordinary days in between were always so special because he was around. Bud fully embraced the task of parenting and mastered the delicate balance between being firm when needed and offering unconditional love. As a lifelong resident in the community he called home, Bud leaves behind a deeply embedded footprint that will withstand the ebb and flow of the tide for years to come.

The year 1934 saw the turning point of the Great Depression in America as the unemployment rate decreased to 22 percent, but a severe drought in the Midwest offered no reprieve to so many towns within the heart of our nation. Because of this drought, some 35 million acres of farmland were utterly destroyed by this year and a further 225 million acres were in danger. There was much to be thankful for, however, such as in the family of George Louis and Doreen (Gorenson) Grimm as they were celebrating in the birth of their son, George, on September 11th. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, George was the oldest of nine children in his family including his younger siblings Roger, Dale, Barbara, Raymond, Diane, Bill, Carolyn, and Valerie. His father worked as a supervisor in a local foundry while his mother was a homemaker. Even as a young boy Bud, as he was often known, was one who kept active as he played both football and baseball. Their family enjoyed spending time together as often as they could including camping trips, traditional Christmas Eve gatherings, and summer reunions, too.

Life around the Grimm home was always a bustle of activity. Since Bud was meticulous about his hair, he always made sure he had first dibbs on the bathroom in the morning leaving his siblings grumbling for their turn. There were even a couple of times that his brothers were tired of waiting and actually kicked the door in!

It was as a young man still living at home that George developed an appreciation for cars.

He had his own car before he was 16 - a Model T. His passion for cars remained with him throughout his life and as the years passed, Bud had a total of 35 cars. He could name each make and model as well as the year of each car and many of their other specifications. Bud developed

a special love for his 1986 Corvette t-top as well as his “Cadillac” of a golf cart that was also red.

While working at Pete’s Grocery store, Bud became acquainted with a certain shopper who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Mary Jo Detamore, and she often did her shopping at Pete’s. After dating for a time, the couple fell in love and was married on May 1, 1954. In order to support his new bride, Bud worked at the foundry, just like his father. He worked at Lakey Foundry for 18 years, but later worked for Campbell, Wyant, and Cannon where he became a supervisor. Bud remained there for 25 years before retiring in 1997.

Not long after becoming husband and wife, Bud and Mary Jo were elated with the birth of their son, Jerry, in 1955. Jerry

was followed by Terry in 1958, Mike in 1959, Bob in 1962, and Stacy in 1971. As a father Bud was both strict and caring as the overall wellbeing of his children was always in the forefront of his mind. He was a steady presence in the lives of his children and enjoyed life right alongside of them. Bud took his sons camping during their younger years and when his daughter was a little girl, her heart soared when her father brought a ring from a coin machine home for her nearly every week. Bud celebrated in his children’s triumphs such as the time he was there for his son Mike when he won the championship in the high jump. It meant so much to Mike that his dad shook his hand in congratulations and then took his picture. Bud saw to it that traditions were an important part of family life in the Grimm home. The family gathered every

Sunday, and he took care of making the popcorn, the JELL-O, and the Kool-Aid. Holidays were gathering times as well, oftentimes for a cookout during warmer weather.

There were so many things George enjoyed through the years in addition to his family and his cars. He treasured the relationships he shared with his brothers as they were the best of friends. A few of Bud’s other close friends were Jim Black, Jack Nummerdor, and Don Jenson. Over the years he had many canine companions to spend his time with, too. As a young boy, George was known to pick up stray dogs with German Shepherds being his most favorite breed. During his retirement years,

Bud and Mary Jo spent six winters in Florida, and nothing was sweeter than becoming a grandfather later in life. They

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enjoyed taking boat rides on Little Silver Lake, especially with their grandchildren. Like most grandparents, Bud felt that grandchildren were for spoiling, and ice cream and popsicles were some of his most favorite treats.

Although those who knew George “Bud” Grimm were well aware of his passion for his cars, he will be remembered for his deep love for and commitment to his family above all else. He loved spending every moment he could surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren with whom he created so many priceless memories. Bud’s smile was his constant companion and could brighten up even the darkest of days. A true gift in the lives of many, Bud will be deeply missed and deeply cherished.

George ‘Bud’ Grimm died on Thursday, January 6, 2011. Bud’s family includes his wife, Mary Jo; sons, Terry (Pam) Grimm, Mike Grimm (Darlene), Bob Grimm; daughter, Stacy Blackman (Kevin); 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Roger (Faye) Grimm, Dale (Evelyn) Grimm, Raymond (Joy) Grimm, Bill (Karen) Grimm; sisters, Barbara and Jim Black, Diane Grimm, Carolyn Pavlak, Valerie (Bruce) Anderson. Bud was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jerry. Services will be held on Monday, January

10, 2011, 1:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Alzheimer’s Association.