Jeremiah Grym

Our friend and brother, Jeremiah Eric Grym, 39, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida tragically passed away in his sleep at home Thursday morning. 

Born in Stony Brook, New York in 1983 to Eric and Brenda Grym, Jeremiah spent his first few years of life with his family on Long Island, New York. In 1991, the family moved back to their hometown of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where Jeremiah lived the rest of his life.

Jeremiah had a thirst for adventure and a natural ability to make anyone laugh from a very young age. As a teenager, Jeremiah loved playing soccer and skateboarding, going to shows, playing foosball, drawing, and performing ridiculous stunts and pranks with his friends. From go kart wrecks to jumping off of buildings to sneaking backstage, adventure and antics went hand in hand with Jeremiah. During this time, he began his tattoo career first as an apprentice and then some years later opening Working Man Tattoo in Mary Esther, Florida. While there, Jeremiah grew a clientele in the thousands, apprenticed and mentored multiple artists, and was recognized as "Best on the Emerald Coast "numerous times throughout his career for his superior artwork.

Jokingly referred to as a therapist, Jeremiah was a true friend and confidante to everyone that was fortunate enough to be tattooed by him. A truly gregarious and accepting soul, he had a special ability to make everyone feel like his best friend and never once met a stranger. Anyone that knew him knew he had an abundance of love for motorcycles, Florida State University, The Yankees, Star Wars, art, music, his friends, and his family.

Jeremiah found home with the love of his life, Haley Porter, and together they raised his son and their two daughters. Jeremiah’s love and devotion to his children was fierce and will be with them throughout their lives. He gave in death as he gave in life and his final act was the gift of sight through donation of his eyes. May they smile upon others with as much joy as they brought all of us.

Jeremiah is survived by his life partner, Haley Porter; his children, Joshua, Phiona and Phoebe Grym; his mother, Brenda Grym; siblings, Jason (Kimberly) Grym, Adrienne (Charles) Clifford, and Jimmy Grym; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and a tight knit group of very close friends. Jeremiah is preceded in death by his father, Eric Grym.

A memorial will be held at Downtown Music Hall on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life and the kind of sendoff he would want -- loud music, good friends, and lots of laughter. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to the family’s GoFundMe, you can do so here:  https://gofund.me/ae9664fc