GRIMSLEY, JAMES A.
From Knob Knowledge
Born in Florence, S.C. in 1921. Citadel Class of 1942. While at The Citadel, he studied business administration. Later he earned a master's degree from George Washington University. Grimsley was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army upon graduation from The Citadel. Shortly after commissioning, he was sent to Fort Jackson, S.C., where he trained with the 307 Infantry Regiment. He fought in the Pacific theatre during World War II, and in Vietnam.
During both wars, he sustained significant injuries. By the time he retired from the Army with the rank of Major General on September 1, 1975, he had been awarded 35 service medals. These include multiple awards of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Legion of Merit.
General Grimsley served as Vice President for Administration and Finance at The Citadel from 1975 to 1979. In December 1980, he assumed the role of President of The Citadel, replacing Admiral James Stockdale, who had resigned. General Grimsley served as the college's president for nine years, until he retired in June 30, 1989, at which point the institution's Board of Visitors named him President Emeritus. Prior to Grimsley, this title had been bestowed only on two other presidents --General Charles P. Summerall and General Mark W. Clark. The next president to receive this honor was Major General John S. Grinalds almost two decades later.
General Grimsley was also awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's most prestigious award. Still active with his alma mater and in the community, General Grimsley is retired and resides with his wife Jessie in Charleston, S.C.
General Grimsley's portrait hangs in the Daniel Library. (Sources: Marquis Who's Who, 2007; Grimsley Files, 1981-2001, Citadel Archives & Museum, Papers, A2001.16; Grimsley Oral History Interview, April 4-6, 2000, Citadel Archives & Museum, A2003.11.5; Grimsley Oral History Interview, April 18, 2008, Daniel Library) (HN, EC & Tara Woodside, Class of 2008)
See also Major General James A. Grimsley, Jr.
