Johnny Grimes, born on June 1, 1947, has led an exemplary career in education and athletics, culminating in his 2013 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Celebrated for his commitment to high school sports in Tennessee, Grimes' impact spans over 44 years dedicated to molding young minds and athletes. His journey predominantly took shape in Marion County, Tennessee, where he left an indelible mark on the community and its athletic programs.

In his tenure, Grimes took on the role of a coach for five different sports, including football, basketball, baseball, golf, and wrestling. His diverse coaching skills led every team he managed to reach significant milestones—the state tournament or even the state championship game in their respective sports. This versatility not only underlines Grimes' adeptness at coaching but also his ability to inspire excellence across a broad spectrum of athletic disciplines.

Grimes' foundation in sports was laid early, having played football for Bill Baxter, himself a TSSAA Hall of Famer. This experience seemingly set the stage for Grimes' own Hall of Fame-worthy career, combining his love for sports with educational leadership. Beyond coaching, he served as an Assistant Principal for 18 years and Principal for 8 years at Marion Co. High School. His commitment to student athletes extended into his administrative roles, fostering environments where sports and education thrived together.

After 35 years at Marion Co. High School, Grimes turned his expertise towards supervising Student Affairs in the Central Office and later became the Curriculum Director for Marion Co. in 2008. His services to the TSSAA were not only recognized with his Hall of Fame induction but also through awards such as the TSSAA A. F. Bridges Award for Principal of the Year in 2001 and Administrator of the Year in 2006. These accolades underscore Grimes' profound influence on high school sports in Tennessee, honoring a career that seamlessly blended educational leadership with athletic excellence.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2013
Category: Administrator