He was born on March 23, 1926, to Halsey Melvin and Edna Buchanan Gridley in Pocatello, Idaho. In the early 1930's, he and his parents moved to Challis where his father purchased the Challis Messenger, a weekly newspaper. Junior was raised around the newspaper business and learned to set type at a very early age. Junior graduated from Challis High School and attended Idaho State University technical college in the Lithography department.

In 1944, Junior enlisted in the Navy. In his early Navy career, he served on the USS Sagittarius. He received an American Theater medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal-1 Star, and a Victory medal when he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Junior lived in Cascade, Idaho, where he worked for the local newspaper. He married Rae Behrman of Salmon and they had two daughters, Delrie and Lynda. Junior and Rae were later divorced.

In June of 1951, Junior re-enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Iowa and was later stationed at the United States Naval Facility in London, England. He was honored with the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with a bronze star, and the National Defense Service Medal. While he was stationed in England, he married Marion Atwell. He was later stationed at the United States Naval Station, Treasure Island, in San Francisco, California. Junior and Marion had a daughter, Patricia Ann. Junior and Marion were later divorced.

Junior continued his career with the Navy serving on the USS Northampton, the USS Ester, and the USS Eldorado. He was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan, and served his final years in the Navy in Saigon during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, numerous Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Good Conduct awards, several National Defense Service Medals and a Vietnam Service Medal just to mention a few. He traveled the world while he was in the Navy, serving in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. When Junior was promoted to LI1 part of the quote for the recommendation was, "GRIDLEY is one of the best Lithographers in the Navy or Lithography field. His knowledge & ability is a great asset to the division. GRIDLEY is recommended for and should be a First Class Lithographer." He retired from the Navy after 24 years.

Following his retirement, Junior settled in Challis to take care of his parents. His life was centered on patriotism and if you drove by his residence the first thing you would notice would be his red, white, and blue painted porch. He enjoyed camping, fishing and was well acquainted with his favorite spot in the Mill Creek Campground. His best companions were always his little dogs like his beloved "Goldie". He also had a cat or two around for good measure. He enjoyed cooking and if he knew we were coming for a visit, he would have a fresh batch of chocolate chip (no nuts) cookies for the kids. Junior had a tremendous sense of humor and was an excellent storyteller, often times about personal hair raising experiences that left you with the feeling, I wish I had been there to see that! He often told of the time he was in a club overseas, he looked up and saw a gentleman he thought he knew. After awhile, he started talking to him and asked him, "Don't I know you from somewhere? Have we been on a ship together?" The gentleman said, "No, but you have probably seen me around, I am Steve McQueen." At the time, Steve McQueen was filming the movie, Sandpebbles. Junior printed some of the photos that were used in advertising for the movie. A favorite pastime was watching old movies and western videos.

Junior is survived by his 3 daughters: Delrie (Vic) Ransom of West Lafayette, Indiana, and Idaho Falls and their daughters; Dr. Jessica (Eduardo) Ransom-Ratia of Missouri City, Texas and Natasha Ransom of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter, Lynda (Mel) Tomlinson of Idaho Falls and her daughters, Sandy (Veryl) Kirkpatrick and their two children, Duran Adams and Rae Lynn Simmons all of Idaho Falls; daughter, Amber, PA-C (Matt) Travis of Eugene Oregon, and their two daughters, Jewel and Scarlett Travis; and Patricia Gridley last known address Richmond, California.

Wŏ a'i nĭ , Za'i jia'n (I love you, goodbye). Dad/grandpa we will miss you and hope you have calm seas and smooth sailing!

He was preceded in death by his cousin and best friend, Gridley Rowles. Gridley's children were Terrie, Michael, Carter, Donald (Bonnie) of Challis, and Charles and their families.

Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Challis cemetery under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls. Military rites will be performed by the American Legion Phillip Kirk Post 109.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation in Junior's name be made to the Idaho State Veterans Home, 1957 Alvin Ricken Drive, Pocatello, Idaho 83201-2727, or the Bonneville Humane Center (attn: Cynthia Smith), 444 N Eastern Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.