Thomas “Tommy” Michael Grimes died Monday October 14, 2024 in the presence of his devoted family. He was born on December 16, 1948 in New Orleans to the late Carrol and Dorothy Grimes.  He grew up in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans with his sister Judy.  He attended Capdau Middle School and graduated from John McDonough High School in 1968.  He is survived by Nelda his wife of 54 years and his children Tom Grimes and Dannielle Matassa. He was a proud PawPaw to Dominic, Lila, and Luca Matassa. He was Godfather to Kelly McCloskey McInnis, Ralph Lacanna Jr., and Suzanne Adams.

He lived in Kenner for 50 years and was  trusted and relied on by his neighbors. As a Catholic, Tommy honored his Christian values by using his skills to serve his family, friends, and neighbors sometimes showing up at a friend’s house to help them before and after his long work days. Tommy took great pride in a job well done. He worked at Mason’s French Restaurant , Union Service, and Johnson Control. In 1981 he started Commercial Systems Agency Air Conditioning & Heating which he grew and was able to focus only on in 1996.  Tommy was known for his hard, skilled work, but loved his customers most of all. Tommy was a beloved member of his community and a respected businessman, but he was most honored by his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Carrol Branson Grimes Sr and Dorothy Garcia Grimes and his brother Carrol Branson Grimes Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife Nelda Smith Grimes; children Thomas “Tom” Grimes, Dannielle Grimes Matassa (Christopher) ; grandchildren Dominic, Lila, and Luca Matassa; sister Judy Grimes McCloskey (Randy) ; sister in law Linda Grimes (Carrol) and several nieces and nephews including Doodie Grimes, Greg Grimes, Shannon Manning, and Kelly McCloskey McInnis.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 18 at 2pm at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4900 Airline Dr in Metairie La. . Visitation from 12-2pm. Interment to follow