John Grieves

John Conway Grieves, 72, known for his infectious laugh and smile and passion for golf passed on Sunday, March 28, 2021 with his family at his side. After a 2.5-year hiatus from golf, we are fairly certain and true to his style, that after being welcomed by our Lord, he headed straight for the links forgoing celebration with family and friends until after a round of golf.

John was born the middle son of John (Jack) Grieves and Mary Conway Grieves in the robust rice growing community of Eagle Lake, Texas on August 27, 1948.

He attended Eagle Lake Schools from elementary through the tenth grade and then transferred to St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas where he earned his high school diploma and graduated with a degree in Finance.

Nurtured in that small Texas town where his parents and many of their friends had babies at the same time, John grew up surrounded by great, loyal ‘running buddies.’ Wherever he lived, Eagle Lake, St. Ed.’s and Roswell, he found his gang and they remain friends to this day.

His work ethic and career started when he caddied at the Eagle Lake Municipal Golf Course. John’s first job after graduation transferred him to Roswell in 1971 where, in a real estate licensing class, he met Paula Holland in 1972. They married on June 20, 1975.

John began his real estate career in 1976 with Gibson & Company, Realtors and subsequently The Tierra Company. In 1983, John became Project Manager for Dallas based Lynch Properties, Inc., for which he oversaw development of 24 acres of commercial property and 67 acres of golf course (NMMI), including La Sierra Subdivision.

In 1986, John and Paula opened Grieves Group Realtors specializing in residential and commercial sales and property management, becoming a Prudential affiliate in 1994. As President, John led the organization to form a team of real estate professionals that were respected in the community and also became family, many of whom he mentored. They sold the company in 2009. John remained active in commercial and investment marketing until 2017, when he retired. And, play more golf he did.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother Randy and mother-in -law Martha Holland. In addition to his wife Paula, John is survived by: his brother David and his wife Rose; their daughters Kristin and husband George Mihalik and children Matthew and Mickey, and Megan and her husband Ryan Sipe and their daughters Frankie and Bennett Rose; his sister-in-law Jan and her husband John Hickey and their sons Jason Hickey and Mathew Hickey; and his cousin Sally Veseth all of Albuquerque, and cousin Robert Glenn England of Slaton, Texas.

The family sends a very special thank you to Glynn Shelton and the team at Kindred Hospice and HME Specialties. Thanks to our prayer warriors from First Presbyterian Church, FUMC Men’s Prayer Group, John Funk, family and friends and the special ministry of Margo Fullinwider.

Honorary Pallbearers are Claude Burba, Bill Cooper, Bob Crow, Pete DeGroot, John Hinkle, Dan Kolker, Jeff Sapp, Jerry Sullivan, and Ted Tivis.

Graveside services will be held Friday April 23rd, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at South Park Cemetery, Memorial Service at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Third St. and Reception at 3 p.m. at The Liberty, 312 N. Virginia. Please be respectful of safe Covid practices, including masking and social distancing. Services are under the care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Those who are not able to attend the 2 pm Memorial Service may view it online by visiting fpcroswell.org.

If desired, donations in lieu of plants may be made to the Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 3010, Roswell, NM 88202, First Tee, 201 W. 19th Street, Roswell, NM 88201, Spring River Corridor Foundation, P.O. Box 2504, Roswell, NM 88202, or your favorite charity.