Leroy “Jim” Grinnell, of Washington, suddenly passed away at his home on May 6. He was born in Washington on Nov. 7, 1921 to Earl and Anna Grinnell. He attended Washington schools and graduated from Washington High School in 1940. He married Elizabeth Swett on Dec. 12, 1942.
A lifelong resident of Washington, he was a farmer and woodsman who raised cattle and various fowl and crops. In earlier years he worked for G.F. Payson and Perley Jones Lumber Mill. He then became a U.S. Postal Star Route driver and contractor, delivering mail to midcoast post offices for over 40 years.
Active in the community, he was First Selectman in Washington for many years and was one of the founders of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. He was a longtime member of the Union Fair Association and oversaw the horse and ox pulling for 38 years. The Union Fair pulling ring is dedicated to him and bears his name. He was a member of Evening Star Grange and one of the original members of the Hill and Gully Riders Snowmobile Club.
A man who loved and would do anything for his family, Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Grinnell of Washington; son, Grevis Grinnell and wife Lynn of Hope Mills, N.C.; granddaughter, Jennifer Atwell and husband Josh of Burlington, N.C.; great-grandson, Jameson Atwell; sister, Alma Jones of Washington; brothers, Donald Grinnell of Washington, and Gordon Grinnell and wife Jeannette of Washington; numerous nieces and nephews; and special neighbor and friend, Alan MacMunn.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Tues., May 13 at the Levensaler Cemetery, Rt. 126, Washington. A reception will follow at the Evening Star Grange Hall, 31 Old Union Rd., Washington.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to the Washington Fire Department, P.O. Box 408, Washington, ME 04574.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, is caring for the family.
