June E. Grimes

June Elaine Grimes (John), 88, of Wilkes-Barre, entered eternal rest August 29, 2024, at Allied Services Hospice Center.

Born on June 1, 1936, in Bronx, New York, June was the youngest daughter of the late Victor and Vivian (Richards) John.

June completed grammar and high school in Manhattan, NYC and attained her nursing credentials from the NY Foundling Nursing School in 1954.  She attended LCCC and Marywood University, earning an associate degree in Early Childhood Development.

Caring for children was June’s passion in life and she was a support system for those in need.

June’s work career was spent entirely in the capacity of child care. Upon graduating from nursing school, June worked as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Francis Hospital (NY) and in the local former Mercy Hospital system.  Leaving the hospital, she utilized her gifts in the field of child day care, being one of the initial members involved in the Luzerne County Head Start program. After several years of involvement, June established June Grimes Daycare and tended to countless numbers of the area’s infants and toddlers.  With over 20 years of successful impact, the daycare was closed and she became affiliated with the local elementary school system as a Foster Grand Parent for ESL students; serving in that capacity for over 20 years. In June’s free time, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, reading, baking, watching sports, and most importantly, spending time with her beloved family and friends.

In addition to her parents, June is preceded in death by her husband, William O. Grimes, brothers, Ricardo John and Victor John; and nephew Alan Phoenix.

Surviving to cherish the memory of June are sister Cecelia Phoenix; sons, Kenneth John and wife Bonny (Canton, GA), and Norman John; daughters, Barbara Foster and husband David (Elgin, SC), and Gladys John (Beckley WV); grandchildren, Christopher John and wife Stephanie, Alania Foster, Kenneth John Jr., Erika John, Nikole John (Dominique Allen), Samantha Wilborn and husband Kayen, Norman Walker, Joshua John, Jeremey John and Jordan John; great-grandchildren, Christopher John Jr., Kylel John, Ava Massey, Kelina John, Yori Allen, Zendaye Allen, Inayah Walker, and Ameriana Walker; great-great grandchildren, Harlow John, Isaiah John, Cameron John, Shaylyn John, Mila John, Naima John, and Naiya Williams; as well as serval cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Special mention of her best friend who has touched not only June’s life, but her entire family, Jodell Salata.  Jodell and June maintained over a 60 year friendship and cared for each other’s family as if it were their own.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, from 5-7 P.M. at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, 465 S Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 7 at 10 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery immediately following the mass. Repast to be held at R&D Memories Caterers, Hanover.

Services have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.