James Evans "Jimmy" Grimball III, known simply as Jimmy to most and "Poppie" to those who loved him best, was born on June 8, 1951, in the Poplar Hill community of Hemingway, South Carolina. He spent his entire life on the same soil that raised him.  It was there, among the people and places he loved most, that his journey came to an end.

Family was the center of Jimmy's world. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Hope Cox Grimball; his daughters, Holly Grimball and Jessica "Bunk" (Jordy) Lewis. Jimmy shared an especially close bond with his daughter Bunk, one built on a lifetime of love, trust, and understanding. He is also survived by two nieces whom he loved as daughters, Jennifer (Dakota/"North Dakota") Goff and Christina (Matt) Welch. He is also survived by grandchildren: Carson Grimball, whom he raised as a son;  Drake "Buckshot" Grimball;  James Walton "Cotton Top" Lewis;  Jordan Lewis;  and Jessi Ann "Baby girl" Lewis as well as a great-niece, Erica Goff, whom he loved as one of his own grandchildren.

Jimmy was a lifelong heavy equipment operator who worked hard every day of his life. He retired from Martin Marietta, Willocks Farm, and DCC after many years of dedicated service. If there was a machine to run or a job to be done, Jimmy knew how to do it. To folks who didn't know him well, Jimmy could come across as grumpy and loud. The truth was, years of hard work had taken much of his hearing.

Underneath that rough exterior was a man with a heart bigger than most people ever knew. He loved his family fiercely and would do anything for those he cared about. He never hesitated to tell someone how a job should be done, not because he thought he knew everything, but because he genuinely wanted to help.

Jimmy enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He could always be found chewing Red Man tobacco, keeping his yard spotless, or raking leaves (almost as fast as they could fall). He took pride in his home, his community, and a yard that always looked cared for.

In his younger years, Jimmy loved deer hunting, dog driving, and horse racing. He was often found at the races pulling gates, right where he felt he belonged, taking in the excitement of the track. Later in life, his daughter Jessica brought him back into hunting. Going to the fox pen was something he truly enjoyed and looked forward to. They spent every Friday night together at the foxpen… telling stories, laughing, and listening to the dogs run. His nieces, Jennifer and Christina, also shared in these times with him and often went along to foxpens, field trials, and even helped judge events. Some of his favorite memories were made at the fox pen, especially at Mr. Burnie's in Poston Corner, where time with family and friends meant more than anything else.

Carson held a special place in Jimmy's heart. Jimmy could sit for hours listening to Carson pick on his guitar and never got tired of hearing him play. He was as proud as any Poppie could be, often talking about the hard work Carson put into his baseball & wrestling teams. Watching Carson grow up into a good young man was one of the things Jimmy was proudest of.

He enjoyed checking the mail every day. What seemed like a simple chore to most became one of the highlights of his day because it meant carrying the mail to his Lewis grandchildren. Nothing made him smile more than watching James Walton, Jordan, and Jessi Ann come running out the door to meet him. They also loved riding on the tractor with their Poppie, making laps around the yard and spending time by his side. Those simple moments…checking the mail, riding the tractor, and being together…were some of his favorite memories.

Jimmy also shared a special bond with his grandson Drake. They spent many afternoons at the pond. Drake would fish while Jimmy sat in his truck happily watching for hours at a time. He didn't need to be the one holding the fishing pole; seeing Drake enjoy himself was enough. Those quiet hours together meant the world to him.

Jordy was never just a son-in-law to Jimmy.  Instead, he was someone Jimmy leaned on and trusted. He was often the one Jimmy called when a helping hand was needed.  He could always count on Jordy to show up ready to work. Over time, it became a common thing for people to say that Jimmy and Jordy acted a lot alike. Whether it was their strong work ethic, their determination, or even their personalities;  the two of them were cut from the same cloth and shared a mutual respect that ran deep.

When he wasn't outside, Jimmy could usually be found settled into his old worn-out recliner watching The Price is Right, Walker Texas Ranger, or any variety of old westerns.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Evans and Connie Grimball; his brother, Morgan Grimball; his sister, Virginia (Barry) Hanna; his son-in-law Chanze Willamson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Dorothy Cox; and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Jr. Cox as well as his prized possession deer dog, Cryboy, & his faithful champion fox dog , Lil E.

The world feels a little quieter without Jimmy in it. His family will miss his advice, his stubbornness, his stories, and the way he always showed up for the people he loved.

The dirt roads of Poplar Hill shaped Jimmy's life from beginning to end. Though he has traveled beyond them now, those who loved him find comfort in knowing he has finally reached his heavenly home, where the leaves will always need raking and there is always a place to sit and watch the ones you love.

Per Jimmy's wishes, no services will be held.

Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com