Norman L. Grimsley

Norman Lee Grimsley, of Aroma Park, Illinois passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Norman was born March 3, 1942, to Eileen and Norman Grimsley, Sr. in Fairbury, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Phyllis, Cheryl, and Nancy and his sister-in-law Sharon Norvell and brother-in-law Russell Heald. He married his wonderful wife Pamela (Heald) on March 8, 1964) in Chatsworth, Illinois. He is survived by his children Michael & Shelly (Brown) Grimsley of Sugar Land, Texas, Carrie & Francisco Jones of Longmont, Colorado, five beloved grandchildren, Lucas Grimsley of League City, Texas, Dylan and Katelyn Grimsley of Sugar Land, Texas, and Gwendolyn and Wolfgang Jones of Longmont, Colorado, his future daughter-in-law, Kristin Lennon of League City, Texas, his brother in law, Dave Norvell of Thawville, Illinois, and several much loved nieces, nephews, and honorary family members. Norman was a larger-than-life man who was loved and honored by all who knew him. He graduated from Cullom High School and attended Kankakee Community College and Normal College (now Illinois State University). He served in the National Guard in High School and joined the United States Army 1961. He served his country as a dog handler for the Military Police until 1965. Upon leaving the Army he and Pam moved to Kankakee, then Aroma Park, Illinois. He worked for General Foods/Gaines as a salesman for 25 years but retirement did not mean rest and relaxation for a man such as Norman. Norman quickly grew to love Kankakee County as was evident by his involvement in many clubs and organizations. Norman spent time as a volunteer firefighter. He worked with the Salvation Army and delivered food and gifts to the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. He was both the president and a board member of the Kankakee Elks Club, the Rotary Club, The Liar’s Club, and many others. Norman was elected Mayor of Aroma Park in 1978 and served in that role for more than 30 years. While in office he made it his mission to include the tiny village of Aroma Park in all Kankakee County political life. He was a part of the team that brought 911 emergency services to Kankakee County and served on the 911 and KARMA boards for many years. In fact, a great source of humor and pride for Norman was that the very first 911 call originated from his home, albeit accidentally, by his cat who walked across the phone buttons. Those who knew him well will understand how much he enjoyed retelling this tale. Norman was also on the committee that brought the Metro Bus system to Kankakee County and advocated tirelessly to make sure Aroma Park was included on the bus route. He was instrumental in making sure the bus route made its way North to Midway Airport. He was instrumental in the sale of the public waterworks system to Aqua in 2000. He implemented multiple improvements in the Village of Aroma Park over the years. He was also a mentor to many who became future leaders of Kankakee County. In 2009, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a resolution congratulating him on his retirement from public office. He loved his community and its people, and it showed in every word, and every action, that he took on behalf of his country, his county, and his village. Norman was an extremely gregarious and social man, and he enjoyed speaking to anyone and everyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor and spent much of his life laughing. However, his greatest joy came from his love for his family, especially his 5 grandchildren. He was so proud of them that everyone he met, from President to pauper, was subject to multiple photos and stories of his “five amazing grandchildren”. When his oldest grandson Lucas became engaged last fall, Grandpa Norm was the first person he told, and Kristin immediately became grandchild number six. While his passing leaves an enormous empty space in the hearts of every family member, we are grateful that his legacy will forever live on through his endless accomplishments in Kankakee County. So, while the rest of the US celebrates Independence Day, his family will mourn him, but will also know there couldn’t have been a more fitting day for this amazing man to pass from this life to the next. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee.