Robert Grimes joined Chicago Public Schools in the late 1950s as a middle school teacher. Later in his career, as principal of the adult education program based at elementary schools on the city’s North and South sides, he helped returning students 18 and older finish high school — earning their GED or high school equivalency credential.
“He really enjoyed being part of that program,” said his daughter, Patty Eisenhart. “He liked working with students that were really motivated to finish high school.”
Grimes, 88, an Army veteran who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War, died of congestive heart failure July 18 in his Westchester home.
“He wasn’t someone out for his own glory,” said Martha Collins, who served as an assistant principal under Grimes for the adult education program at Doolittle Elementary. “We were a great team, working hand-in-hand to move the program forward.
“He was very dedicated to his students, which is the first step to providing a good education.”
Grimes grew up on the West Side in the Austin neighborhood, the son of two Chicago teachers.
“Growing up, he had memories of his mom and dad bringing bags of food to people out of work who were struggling during the Depression,” said his daughter, Susy Grimes. “They considered themselves lucky to have had jobs.”
Grimes started dating his future wife, Peg, who lived in the same neighborhood, when they were both in their early teens. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep, where he played football, basketball and baseball.
“Bob was likable and personable going all the way back to childhood,” said Francis Heraty, a friend since grade school. “He was more on the quiet side but really loved talking sports.”
A fullback on the 1945 Ignatius football team that tied as co-champions of the Chicago Catholic League, Grimes was described by the baiduhai in a November 1945 story as “the workhorse, having the passing chores as well as the major portion of the plunging assignments.” He was later inducted into the St. Ignatius Athlete Hall of Fame.
“He was an all-around athlete and great football player,” said Don Mulvihill, a retired CPS principal and fellow St. Ignatius graduate who played halfback on the 1945 football team. “He was a strong, sturdy kid with a lot of speed.”
Grimes graduated from Chicago Teachers College before being drafted into the Army and serving in the infantry during the Korean War. His left hand was hit by mortar shell shrapnel, leaving two of his fingers paralyzed.
Following his military discharge, he took courses in education at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier and later worked as a counselor with the Chicago Park District before beginning a more than three decade career with CPS.
He taught seventh- and eighth-graders at Mason and Montefiore elementary schools before serving as assistant principal at Burley Elementary School. He was then named principal of the adult education program based at Doolittle on the Near South Side, and later headed an adult education program for CPS with campuses on the North and South sides. He retired in 1991.
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“Bob was the kind of educator that really loved his work,” Mulvihill said. “He knew how to motivate and was part of a terrific program that gave returning students the chance to advance themselves.”
Grimes is survived by his wife of 62 years; by another daughter, Peggy Daly; a son, Bob; a sister, Joan Grimes; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held.
Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter.