Hon. Joseph Rudolph Grimes passed this life on September 7, 2007, at his home in Gutenburg, New Jersey.at the age of 84. Today marks two years since he went home to be with the Lord.

Joseph Rudolph Grimes was born in Monrovia, Liberia on October 31, 1923 unto the union of Louis Arthur Grimes and Victoria E. Cheeseman Grimes. He was the third of five children - Louis Arthur Jr., Henry Waldron, J. R. G., Mary Antoinette Hope and Ernest Marbue.

Rudolph's mother was originally Jemoh Fahnbulleh( Freeman) of Kiazolu Clan-Garwular District Jundu-Grand Cape Mount County. She was reared by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cheeseman ( Former President of Liberia) and given the name of the only  child of the cheeseman's  who had recently died.

Rudolph Began his early education at the M. Eva M. Hilton School. He entered the College of West Africa in the fourth grade and graduated valedictorian of his class in 1940. He matriculated at Liberia College (now University of Liberia) and graduated in 1944, again as valedictorian.

Joseph Rudolph was Liberia’s longest serving Secretary of State who played a leading roles in the formation of the Organization of African Unity and in African Affairs at the United Nations throughout the 1960s.

In the Episcopal church of Liberia, Rudolph rose from an organist to becoming the Superintendent of the Sunday school, and Vestryman at Trinity Cathedral. He also served as Vice Chancellor and then Chancellor for several years. He wrote the Diocesan constitution and canons of the Episcopal Church of Liberia. Brother Grimes played a major role in drafting constitution and canons of the Anglican Province of West Africa where he also served as Chancellor. He was Vice President of the Church Commission on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches. Rudolph also served on the constitution committee of Liberia second republic and was chairman of the Drafting committee.

A Funeral Mass  was said at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on W. 112th St. Amsterdam Avenue in New York on Saturday, September 22nd at the precise hour 9:00 AM.

A memorial website (http://josephrudolph-grimes.memory-of.com) was created in the memory of him. You may want to login and light a candle or pay a tribute.

His darling wife, Mrs. Doris Grimes and the entire family wish to extend sincere thanks and appreciation for all the support and contribution since he passed.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.