Orville L. Grim

Major Orville L. Grim, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, 78, of Cape Girardeau, died Oct. 3, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The cause of death was injuries sustained in a fall.

He was born Feb. 27, 1925, in Leora, Mo., son of James and Mary Ona Grim. He was married to Wanda Hopper on January 10, 1944, in Cape Girardeau. He was a member and Sunday School teacher at Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church, a life member of VFW Post 3838 and a member of American Legion Post 63.

He served in the U.S. Army 20 years, retiring in August 1963, at the rank of Major. He served in both WWII and the Korean War. He worked at the Cape post office from May 1965 to May 1985. He was the owner/ operator with one of his sons of O.J.'s Automotive located on Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

An avid sportsman and fanatic trout fisherman, he taught the next generation the value of nature, life and family ties. He was the first to show the sweet fishing hole to newcomers, and he was the recognized master of all he touched.

A mechanical wizard when it came to VWs, he was known for his infectious enthusiasm over a perfectly operating engine. He gave a love of the Bug, Bus, Thing and Rabbit to multiple generations that will continue for years to come. He even gave in once and allowed a Mustang to come alive in his garage. The "toolbox tools" helped fix things mechanical while gently guiding lives and future visions of those around him.

The way he lived his life showed others that GRUMPY wasn't. Underneath, he was willing to open his heart and home to any in need.

He loved to travel and showed the world to all his "kids" through countless camping, canoe and road trips.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda R. Grim, of Cape Girardeau; two sons, James F. Grim Sr. and wife Martha from Parker, Texas, and Jay Grim and wife Christine from rural Jackson; a daughter, Janice Copeland of Cape Girardeau; one foster daughter, Linda and her husband, David Stapleton from Fenton, Mo.; one sister, Audrey McIntire and husband Curtis of Cape Girardeau; one stepsister, Glenda Farris of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren, Jason Copeland, James and Bobby Grim, Dustin and Miranda Grim, Roxann and Derek Stapleton; and two great-grandchildren, Alix and Marissa Copeland.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating. Burial will be in Hobbs Chapel Cemetery with military honors by a Fort Leonard Wood military detachment. Friends may call from 9 a.m. till noon at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel and from 12:30 p.m. to service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hobbs Chapel Building Fund.