James Michael Griesmeyer

James Michael Griesmeyer, was born on Thursday, June 16, 1949 in Chewelah, Washington, to Don and Eloise Griesmeyer, along with his twin sister, Linda. He grew up in a family of six children, with his two brothers, Bill and Gary, and two sisters, Janice and Donna. He graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1971 with a bachelor's in general physics. He obtained his master's in general physics in 1973, and PhD in Nuclear Engineering, at UCLA in 1979. After briefly working in Washington DC, he started working at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM. He had several careers in various departments, from robotics, to his most recent and favorite, programming satellites. He found time to remodel his family's home; start brewing beer before it was popular with the Dukes of Ale; bowling in a Sandia Labs league with his buddies; going on a dozen backpacking trips with his son and daughter; competing in international barbershop chorus competitions with the Duke City Sound; and managed to make it to almost all his daughter's soccer games from kindergarten all the way to her adult recreational indoor soccer games.

Mike always showed up for everyone in his life. He faced challenges with child-like curiosity and the confidence that he could figure anything out. He always had his checklist in hand during the weekend. He would fix up and repair anything around the house. The checklist included his long-term travel dreams and what he would do when he retired. After retirement, he became a volunteer with the Natural History and Science Museum and Engineers Without Borders. The other volunteers became his second family. He had a long list of places to see, and he did not wait until retirement. Mike and his wife, Cindy went to many international places, Alaska, Cancun, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and US states locally. He loved being around family and friends and enjoying the moment. Mike and Cindy were known for their parties that brought together his and his wife's large families and their many friends. He gave all his attention to each endeavor within his work and personal life.

After resisting ALS for several years, Mike passed away peacefully on Sunday March 7, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He will be missed tremendously by his wife of 40 years, Cynthia Griesmeyer; his two children, Brian Griesmeyer, and Michelle Griesmeyer-Kellogg, and their spouses, Lisa Griesmeyer and Brian Kellogg; and his four grandchildren, Keely Urbanski, Kelsi Sedillo, Rose Griesmeyer and Martin Griesmeyer; as well as his large family and network of friends. He will be with us all in our hearts and soul.

A memorial service will be held on May 22, 2021, 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the NM ALS association at: https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app276b?34681.donation=form1&df_id=34681&NONCE_TOKEN=24551BBB05D5D372F931BAB344AC5953

Please visit our online guestbook for James Michael Griesmeyer at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH - University
1111 University Blvd. NE
505-843-6333