GRANVILLE: Jill Harms Griesse passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, February 3, 2014 “after the most magnificent 16 months with her husband, Paul”, a time that she considered a gift despite her courageous battle with cancer. She was born in East Orange, New Jersey on May 26, 1939 to the late Arthur G. and Helene (Kyle) Harms.
Following graduation from Summit High School and Washington State University, Jill was Vice President, and Board Member of Bry-Air Incorporated, headquartered in Sunbury, Ohio. She served on the Johnstown Board of Education and Boards of Directors of the Robbins Hunter Museum, Kendal at Granville, Central Ohio Technical College, Hospice of Central Ohio and the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, each of which she dearly cherished. The organizations lucky enough to be championed by Jill felt her powerful dedication and generosity, thriving under her guidance.
When not traveling and touring the world with Paul and their antique Fords, Jill could be found enjoying the million and half daffodils planted around her farm. She was past show chairman of both the American Daffodil Society (ADS) and the Chicago Botanical Garden Show, and chair of the 2013 ADS National Convention, which culminated at her home amid her glorious daffodil collection. One of her greatest joys was simply enjoying the beauty of daffodils and sharing them with the thousands of people from all over the world who were fortunate to visit her springtime wonderland.
One of the happiest times of Jill’s life was when she founded and coached the Pau Hana Swim Club in Newark following her own swim career during which she won both senior and junior National Synchronized Swimming Championships. Jill served on the U.S. Olympic Swimming Committee for 18 years and travelled internationally with the Committee.
Jill was the recipient of countless awards, including her 1994 election to the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, the 2007 Licking County Foundation Everett D. Reese Award, the 2011 Granville Good Scout Award, the 2013 Robbins Hunter Women’s Board Victoria Woodhull Woman of Distinction and the 2013 Central Ohio Technical College Legends of Loyalty Award.
Jill is survived by her husband of 51 years, Paul D. Griesse; children and their spouses, Graydon and Barbari Griesse, Guy and Thite Griesse, Holly and Park Shai, and Cindy Griesse; grandchildren Kendall, Hans, Taylor, Amberly and Paige Griesse, Helene, Lilly and Sophia Shai; brothers and sisters-in-law Donald and Sheila Whittaker and Jack and Jan Whittaker.
Jill was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Alice Jane Welsh.
Jill enriched the lives of everyone she encountered, inspiring each to try a little harder to fulfill their purpose. Considered by many a force of nature, she dreamed up innovative ways to entertain, often fund raising for her favorite causes while sharing pure fun with her friends and family. She left the world a better and more beautiful place, and she was afforded the tremendous opportunity to live her goodbyes with everyone she loved.
A celebration of Jill’s life will be held at 4:00 P.M. February 18, 2014 at the Reese Center, 1209 University Drive, #105, Newark, Ohio with Rev. Karen J. Chakoian as celebrant. A reception will follow at the Reese Center.