James E Grelles, 57, passed away on Thursday, December 29th, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
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I had the joy of knowing James Grelles aka Mr. Jim from school. He taught me at Tidewater Tech and was an outstanding teacher. He was not only a teacher, he was my mentor. He was like a father figure to me. Everyday that I came to class he would always give me a hug and ask how my kids were and how I was. Mr. Jim was dear to me. He would always say come on Kim its time for a smoke break and we would go outside and smoke our cigarettes as he would talk to me and give me advice on anything I needed. He would tell me exactly how life was good and to appreciate everyday I have here on earth with my family. Mr. Jim helped me in so many ways. He would help me do anything I needed to do including working on my raggedy, rusted out cars. He took me under his wing when I started classes at Tidewater Tech. I was one of the only females to get into the automotive program. Mr. Jim use to tell me all the time how smart I was and how proud of me he was. I remember when I took my automatic transmissions ASE and my manual transmissions ASE which is the class that he taught me and I was so worried about failing. He just looked at me and said there is no way you are going to fail. I taught you the information and you had the best grade in the class. lol So I took the tests and sure enough he was right I passed and he was the first person I went running to. I said to him Mr. Jim you did it! He said did what? I told him you are the reason I passed. He said no that I was the reason I passed. Anyways I could go on and on about the conversations we had and how he impacted my life. I am truly blessed to have had him in my life. He was truly a great mentor and role model!! I am missing him already. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God bless yall.
There are no words for the way I feel right now. You raised me and loved me when you didn’t have to. Every good thing I know about life I learned from you. My heart will forever be broken from loosing you. You were the perfect definition of a great and wonderful man and father. I love you dad and I know god needs you more then we do. I only hope you and Steven are catching up and having a good time. I hope grandpa and you are kicking back having a blast. I love you dad fly high until we meet again.
Jim will be missed . He was always a smiling face when we would see him outside usually helping someone with there vehicle.
Jim was the best neighbor and a true gentle soul. We were blessed to know him. Riley, Dakota, Alvin, Eric, Brandon and I are praying for you and your family, Carmen. Rest in peace Jim.
Carmen and Girls,
I will truly miss Jim and our many phone calls over the years, he was a wonderful person and he will be missed by all that had the pleasure in knowing him and called him a friend. Carmen visit your wonderful times and memorials of Jim daily, because they will bring you comfort. He is no longer in pain are suffering to get his breath, he is free now. I have pleasure in knowing my last phone call with Jim he and I talked about excepting God into his life and I know that he is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. Jim is having a blast now seeing all his family members and friends that went before him. Carmen you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers, if I can help you in anyway, please call me and I will do my best to be there.
To the family of James,
The picture used in his obituary captures James disposition as I knew him at work. He was always a pleasure to speak with and such a nice man. He was always willing to help someone and would go out of his way to make others happy. I will miss his cheerful personality. My prayers are with you.
He was such a nice Man!
My thoughts prayers and condolences to you and your family. I only knew Mr. Grelles for a short period for time but he was such a kind spirited gentle man. I wish your family peace through your troubled time.
Carmen, my heart sank when I heard of Jim’s passing.
It just never seems fair when someone like Jim leaves us all way to early especially after doing everything you think your suppose to do in life.
Get up every morning and go to work to help support and provide for your family like he did. Come home every night because that’s where he wanted to be.
Watch with love in his eyes, pride in his heart and joy in his voice as his two beautiful girls grew up in front of him to become who they are today. His deep love for you and obvious gratitude and appreciation for helping him achieve all he had accomplished in life. He was one of the good guy’s always offering you something to drink, a good conversation or a funny joke with a smile on his face.
He will surely be missed.
May the beautiful memories of your loved one provide solace and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. May you also find much comfort in God’s promise of life without end on a Paradise earth.
Matt 5:5 & Psalms 37:11, 29