James (Jim) Grider, 78, of Claypool, AZ passed away on September 25, 2020 at Hospice in Phoenix, AZ. Jim was born in Danville, IL on September 16, 1942 to James and Vivian Grider. Jim is proceeded in death by a daughter, Robin Grider, his parents James and Vivian, and two siblings Ron and Tom.
Jim is survived by his wife Jenny as well as 2 children from his 1st marriage, Dwayne (Gayle) Grider, Gail Sue Grider Scott; 3 children from his 2nd marriage, Gerine (Raymon) Smyers, Kimberly (Chuck) Neal, and Tina (Jess) Sanders; and 4 stepchildren from his 3rd marriage to Jenny, Joe Eddie (Leslie) Felix, David (Debbie) Felix, Nathan (Jennifer) Felix, and Tamara (Joe) Lopez with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for over 40 years in the local copper mines beginning with Inspiration, Cyprus, Phelps Dodge, Freeport-McMoRan, Carlotta and Robinson mine in Ely NV. He held many positions such as truck driver, smelter foreman, and metallurgical technician. Jim shot fireworks for over 50 years, beginning in Illinois where he was from, and continued in the Globe-Miami area for over 35 of those 50+ years.
Jim loved to entertain all of us on the Fourth of July with the beautiful and vibrant lights in the sky! Jim’s main passion was trapshooting. He was very talented and proficient at the sport. His average was high enough to make the Arizona State Trapshooting team for many years and he was considered one of the top shooters in the state. Jim was a Hunter Education Instructor because he felt it was important to instruct young people on gun safety. Jim was also firmly in support of our Second Amendment rights and served on the FNRA fundraising committee for many years.
Jim loved to put a smile on your face. He loved to tell a joke, a good story, or anything just to make you laugh. Jim loved to joke with his friends, a good game of dominoes, playing cards, and watching NASCAR.
Jim requested no service of any kind. In lieu of cards, plants, or flowers, etc. please consider making a donation to a charity for homeless veterans that he loved:
Veterans Community Project 8900 Troost Kansas City, MO 64131 info@veteranscommunityproject.org
May you rest in peace “Darlin”, Love Jenny
