Mr. Aime (Jim) Joseph Grenier Obituary (2016)

GRENIER, AIMÉ JOSEPH (JIM) passed away December 21st, 2016. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jane Carol (Smith) Grenier, RN, in 1993. Born in West Warwick RI, he was the son of the late Aimé J.A. Grenier and Henrietta (Gorman) Grenier. He graduated from West Warwick High School, where he was valedictorian of his class. After serving his country in WW II and in Korea as a medic, he was honorably discharged as Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, and returned home on the Central Falls Victory ship. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. Before settling back into civilian life, he and several friends hiked the Long Trail in Vermont, one of his happiest memories. He then studied at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on the GI bill, earning a BSEE with High Distinction. He also earned PE (Professional Engineer) licenses in New York and Massachusetts. Subsequently, in the midst of family and work obligations, he completed his Master’s degree at Northeastern University. Following several years working for GE in Schenectady, he was employed for over thirty years at Metals & Controls/Texas Instruments in Attleboro as an electrical engineer. One of his many professional accomplishments during that period was the designing of solid-state circuitry for the Apache gunship attack helicopters. He also held multiple patents for various control circuits and other electromagnetic devices. Upon his retirement, he worked as a PE on several projects with Westcott Construction and Walsh Contracting Corporation. He was active in a number of organizations, and served many roles, including President and Treasurer of the Serra Club, first President of St. Mark’s Church Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister in the Diocese of Fall River, and recipient of the Marian Medal in recognition of his dedication and service to the church, serving in the Knights of Columbus and volunteering as a mathematics instructor at the Attleboro Literacy Center. Loving to sing, he had been a member of The Williams Chorale, the Cumberland-Lincoln Community Chorus, the Neponset Choral Society and St. Mark’s Church choir. For fun, thanks to his older sister Dorothy, he was a lifelong crossword fanatic. He also played softball as third baseman for TI’s softball team, enjoyed sailing his Sunfish, kayaking and hiking. He was a dedicated father who often attended his childrens’ athletic and other events; they remember fondly the enjoyable bike rides he led on Rte. 295 after it was paved but before being opened to traffic. Suffering from lymphoma, he participated in the Department of Labor settlement with Texas Instruments. Mr. Grenier is survived by his children Jane Grenier of Wakefield RI, Captain John Grenier, USCG (Ret.) and Lauren Brissette of Cumberland RI, Nancy McKay of Marlborough CT, Lisa Dean and Elisabeth Shoupp of North Attleborough MA, and Kathryn Grenier of Plainville MA along with their families, including twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son James Grenier in 1997. He is also survived by brothers Robert and Richard Grenier, and sisters Elaine Fraser and Nancy Johnson, and was predeceased by brother Roland Grenier and sisters M. Dorothy Hayes and Henrietta Dodd. Calling hours at St. John Vianney Church, 3609 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland RI will begin at 9:30 am on Wednesday, December 28th, to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. A gathering will be held in the parish hall immediately after the service. Flowers respectfully omitted. Burial will be private.