Richard A. “Sonny” Grimes Jr. of Duxbury, Vermont, died March 1, 2025, at his home following a long illness. Sonny was born October 5, 1951, in Morrisville, the oldest child of Richard Sr. and Hilda (Godfrey) Grimes. A 1969 graduate of Stowe High School, Sonny was an avid hunter, especially enjoying teaching his children the fine art of tracking white tails and reading. Sonny was considered “a legend” by many.
Sonny operated Northeastern Landscaping and Construction for many years, reconstructing foundations, building man-made ponds, and operating equipment. While operating NELC, Sonny coined the phrase “The Impossible Takes a Day Longer,” something the entire family lives by.
He also spent many years at Mount Mansfield, skiing, as a lift attendant and behind the plow. Sonny spent many hours at Grand View Farm in Stowe Hollow. He especially enjoyed introducing many preschool and kindergarten classes to the many farm animals there.
Sonny is survived by his wife of 25 years, Debby (Earle), and previous wives Linda Austin of Sharon, Deborah Vize of New Mexico and Christine Hayford of New Jersey, his children, Courtney (Jeremy) Harvey of Washington, New Hampshire; Jessica of Warren, and Ty of Duxbury; his stepchildren, Nathan Jobe of Woodbury, Crystal Jobe of Brattleboro and Levi (Samantha) Audet of Morrisville. Also surviving are his grandchildren Alana, Onora and Kingston Harvey of Washington, New Hampshire; Kylynn Grimes of Warren, Burton, Brantley and Amelia Audet of Morrisville and Bralynn Earle, Quentin, Davina and Ella Farrell of Brattleboro. He is also survived by his sisters Julia (Dennis) Landry of Eden Mills, Catherine Judkins of Hyde Park, and brother Erton (Sandy) Grimes of Eden, nieces Ayla Fraize, Tiff Khammonh, June and Janis Davison, Christie Judkins, and nephews Jim Landry, Ean and Skylar Grimes and Terry “TJ” Judkins. He is survived by his aunt Erna (Gerald) Bartlett of Greensboro and many cousins. Sonny is also survived by longtime school friends Edmund Wells and Darryl Mansfield and chosen family “member” Gregory Wells.
Sonny was predeceased by his son Travis Almon, his parents, Richard Sr. and Hilda, his sister Sarah Davison, his brother-in-law Terry Judkins, niece Crystal Judkins, nephew Jeremiah Davison and his best dog friend, Casey.
There will be a celebration of life in the spring/summer when the weather has improved.
Donations in Sonny’s memory may be made to: Central VT Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641.
