Stephen Grimes was born in Pittsfield, Illinois in 1945. He attended Nebo Grade School for the first eight years and finished high school at Pittsfield High School. He then attended trade school in Cleveland, Ohio and soon after graduating, started his career as a pipefitter. After working at the trade for less than a year, he was drafted into the army, and in 1966 was sent to Vietnam for a year. After finishing active duty in California, Steve drove north to Seattle to meet his lovely wife, Pamela, for the first time. They were married in 1968 and lived in Illinois where Steve was working at the time. He moved to Seattle, Washington in 1972 and continued to work as a pipefitter. He also was a part-time instructor in the apprentice program. This led to more instructor schooling at Washtenaw College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Steve is now retired from his trade but still is a part-time instructor.

Steve was baptized into Christ in 1959 and attended church in Nebo, Illinois. After moving to Washington, Steve worshiped with the North Seattle congregation until moving to Kirkland in 1973. At Kirkland, he attended many Bible classes and served as a deacon. In 1995, Steve moved to Monroe, Washington where he is currently serving as an elder. Steve and Pam have three daughters and five grandchildren.