PITTSFIELD, Mass. — James Francis Grimsley Jr., 58, of Pittsfield died Thursday, May 14, 2020, at home after a courageous battle with ALS.

Born in Westfield, Mass., on February 18, 1962, to James F. and Lorraine Adamites Grimsley, he attended Westfield Schools. After high school, Jim entered the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1985. 

Mr. Grimsley was a self-employed carpenter until becoming disabled. He worked for a time in the addiction treatment field, first at Doyle Detox and most recently at Keenan House. 

He loved watching his favorite sports teams: the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and the Bruins. Jim enjoyed fishing, traveling, being outdoors, attending concerts, and listening to music, especially Buddy Guy.  He had a mischievous spirit and was well-known for his wet willies. An animal lover, he was a squirrel whisperer and amateur chipmunk trainer.

Jim most of all loved spending time with his grandchildren, nieces & nephews. He was also a long-time friend of Bill W's.

Jim married Rebecca Joppru Connolly on December 13, 2018, in Pittsfield, Mass.

Besides his wife and mother, Jim is survived by his son, James Ribeiro of Indian Orchard, Mass.; stepson Carson Connolly of Pittsfield; grandchildren James Ribeiro Jr., Lily Ribeiro, Suraya Nellis and Tiago Ribeiro; siblings Kent Grimsley of Rockland, Mass.,, Sharon Chambers of Westfield, Mass., Michele Bean (Aaron) of Wilmington, N,C., and Justin Grimsley (Jennifer) of Cheshire, Conn.; maternal grandmother Ella Adamites of Southwick, Mass.; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Funeral notice: Due to the current pandemic, Jim's services will be held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS in care of Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.