Joseph James Grivich passed quite unexpectedly and most unfortunately due to complications from knee replacement surgery. The curtain fell on the life of Jim, a.k.a. Jimmy, Grivich on November, 30th.

Jimmy, was born on September 15, 1945 in Memphis to his parents who preceded him in death, Martha Turley Grivich and Joseph Grivich. In 1948, Jim's Dad founded the well-known drapery, upholstery and hotel decor business, Joseph's Interiors. Upon the death of his father, Jim expanded the footprint of the business which focused on the manufacturing and installation of drapery, upholstery and furnishings for hotels since creating the interiors of the very first Holiday Inns, making the business Joseph's Interiors an integral partner in the development of hotel chains around the globe.

The employees of this Memphis-grown business so loved their "leader" as it was apparent he was deeply committed to their welfare. When Steven "Goo-Loo" Banks was just 14 years old, Jim taught him how drapery and upholstery was properly made and installed. Their close bond resulted in Jim often referring to Steven as his "brother."

However, Jim's accomplishments over the past 71 years ranged beyond the manufacturing of hotel decor. He was both the business manager and trumpet player in the popular garage band, The Memphis Blazers. Formed in 1961 by a group of Jimmy's Central High School buddies, the band featured a unique sound which, according to SouthernGarageBands.com--was "based on Memphis soul music." The Blazers played in many hot spots across the greater Mid-South area. Several of the band members went on to work with the likes of Memphis music legends, such as Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, Booker T. and the MG's, and many others.

Jimmy graduated from the home of his beloved Tigers, the University of Memphis, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Geography. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity and participated in many of their philanthropic projects.

Jimmy was a history buff, particularly enjoying the study of military history and their leaders. He would often text motivation quotes and historical facts to his granddaughter who lives in Colorado, and would enjoy playing the strategic game of Battleship with his young grandson. Jimmy also enjoyed sports and working in his yard on the weekends. Most importantly Jimmy loved his family and friends and welcomed any opportunity to celebrate the special bond he had with each.

Jim is survived by his adoring daughter, Gina Grivich Farrar, son-in-law Dan Farrar, his granddaughter Maxwell and grandson, Rody, all of Boulder, Colorado. He also leaves behind his only sister, Cyndy Grivich Tucker, cousins Bettie and Angela Turley; step-sons, Tripp and Chad Tidwell, "Oscar, " the white boxer, and close friend and former wife, Rita Santi Grivich.

The Memorial Service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery on January 7, 2017, beginning at 11:00AM in the chapel designed by his late and beloved brother-in-law, architect Jack Tucker.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the West Tennessee Veterans Home, 11293 Memphis Arlington Road, Arlington, TN 38002. PH(615) 898-1181 (www.veterans-home.com
Published in The Commercial Appeal on Dec. 11, 2016

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