Terry Michael Grimm 1942–2022
Terry Michael Grimm (April 3, 1942 – January 28, 2022) joined his cherished wife Susan in heaven on January 28, 2022. He left an enduring legacy of love, loyalty, laughter, and legal brilliance.
Born in Bloomington, Illinois, on April 3, 1942, Terry was the eldest child of John Emmett Grimm and Willetta Beatrice (Helm) Grimm. Terry grew up in Decatur, Illinois in the same neighborhood as the love of his life, Susan Chastain Grimm. Susan and Terry were united in marriage in 1976 and remained by each other's side for more than 40 years until her passing in 2018.
Terry studied History at Indiana University, which included a stint at the University of Durham in England. In 1967, he earned a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Indiana University School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif. Upon graduation, Terry joined the prestigious Chicago law firm, Winston & Strawn, where he stayed for more than 50 years.
Terry was a legal litigation giant, a veteran trial lawyer and former special prosecutor who holds the distinction of having secured what was at the time the highest jury award ever collected in the Seventh Circuit -- a $181 million dollar verdict in favor of the Firm's client. He also won a historic, record $88 million (plus interest) verdict for a plaintiff in a commercial case in Cook County. For his work on these and other significant trials, Terry was named a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was an early exemplar of Firm leadership having served on the Executive Committee and as Firmwide Head of Litigation.
Terry retired from active practice in 2020. He divided time between Chicago and homes in the Indiana Dunes and Mountain Lake, Florida. Terry will be remembered for a love of the Rolling Stones, classic Cadillac convertibles, and a unique sense of style, including cream linen suits with brimmed straw hats and boutonnières on his lapel in the courtroom.
Outside the courtroom, Terry often could be found on the golf course. His passion for the game began early, encouraged by his uncle who was a local pro. Terry's wide circle of friends afforded him the opportunity to play at many renowned golf clubs around the country. In addition, Terry was a respected member of Shoreacres, in Lake Bluff, IL, and Mountain Lake, Lake Wales, FL. Even more than golf, Terry's love was his wife, Susan. Together, they fulfilled a passion for exploring the world in style – from journeys on the Orient Express to flights on the Concorde and lakeside escapes at the Villa Feltrinelli. Often entertaining at home, Terry and Susan were generous hosts with a unique sense of humor, assisted by Terry's extensive collection of Bordeaux wine.
Terry was devoted to those he loved, taking exemplary care for Susan throughout her long illness. He was beloved by numerous friends and colleagues who affectionately referred to him as The Grimmer.
Terry Grimm was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his parents, John & Beatrice Grimm, his sister, Kathleen Grimm Tracy, and his beloved three Dachshunds. Terry is survived by his brother, Joseph B. Grimm, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews. With great sorrow, Terry also leaves behind his grandnephew and Godson Christian Hansen, to whom Terry was a guiding light and inspiration.
A celebration of life will be held in May.