Janice L. Grim

Janice (Douglas) Grim, 91, a lifelong resident of Dalton, passed away on January 17, 2025.

Janice was born in Massillon on July 16, 1933 to the late Merl and Alice (Nussbaum) Douglas.  She graduated in 1951 from Dalton High School and went on to graduate from the College of Wooster in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theater Arts.  While at the College of Wooster, she organized and directed a children’s production of Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater for her Independent Study Thesis.  She made many close friends while in college and maintained and cherished those relationships throughout her life.  She served as class president and secretary of her college class for many years and she enjoyed organizing many reunions.  

After college graduation, Janice taught English and speech at Waynedale High school and assisted in the direction of several theater productions.  She continued this passion for education by serving on The Wayne County School Board (now known as the Tri-County ESC board) and The Wayne County Career Center School Board for 31 years (from 1985-2016).  Her passion for public education can be summed up by one of her favorite quotes: “Education is the only thing that can’t be taken away from you.”

Janice married Gene Grim on August 11, 1956.  Together they raised 5 children and she lived a full life of family and community.  She was a natural as a mother, always filling their home with love and laughter while playing the piano, reading countless books, playing games, traveling, and carrying on countless holiday traditions.  Her 5 children meant the world to her.  

Her greatest sadness was the loss of her son Toby in 1995.  She and her family owned and operated the Bliss Café as a tribute to him from 1999-2009.  She used her gifts of conversation and love of community to create a welcoming environment to serve delicious food and coffee.  She firmly believed in the sharing of one’s gifts and the philosophy of “following one’s bliss” to live an authentic life of purpose.  

Janice had a deep love for music and beginning at the age of 5, she took piano lessons under the instruction of Alberta Berg.  She went on to be the church organist at the Dalton Presbyterian Church for many years, delighting the congregation with her playing of the Hallelujah Chorus every Easter.  She also arranged music and performed with a local barbershop quartet called the “Barberettes”.  She was known for her piano accompanying skills and accompanied many high school musicals and solo and ensemble participants over the years.  

Using her beautiful speaking voice, she would often be heard on WQKT radio during local sporting events advertising for both G. G. Grim Co. and the Wayne County Schools Career Center.  She also enjoyed using her mother’s hats to create and perform a one woman “Hat Show” which showcased the changing fashions from 1920s to the 1970s.  Her love for the arts accounted for many hours of painting, creating, and writing.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Gene and her son Toby.  Her reunion with Toby must surely have been a joyous one.  She is survived by her four children:  Douglas (Jennifer) Grim, Gibson “Gib” (Kristy) Grim, Erin (Michael) Barnhouse, and Jen (Kevin) Himes; grandchildren Samantha (Jake) Masters, Gabrielle (Logan) Becker, Isaac, Naomi, Hannah, and Miriam Himes, Lane Barnhouse, and Henry Miller;  great grandchildren, Hadley and McCoy Masters; sister, Susan (Bob) Bolender; sister-in-law Lois Foster; and nieces and nephews from Medina.

Janice was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

A private service was held for the family with Pastor Sally Fusek officiating.  Burial took place at Dalton Cemetery.  A celebration of Life for Janice will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Dalton Presbyterian Church, 163 W. Main St., Dalton, OH, 44618.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wayne County Schools Career Center, 518 W. Prospect St., Smithville, OH, 44667.  Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-828-2536)

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