Inderkum Coach Greg Grimes’ Parents Turn Heartbreak Into Advocacy After Losing Their Only Son to Gun Violence
Jackson Reed
Published May 15, 2026
Inderkum Coach Greg Grimes’ Parents Turn Heartbreak Into Advocacy After Losing Their Only Son to Gun Violence
Deborah and Gregory Grimes transform their grief into action, working tirelessly to make Sacramento safer.
August 11, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 11, 2026
The parents of Greg “Najee” Grimes honor his legacy through community work and safety initiatives.
When Greg “Najee” Grimes was tragically killed in a downtown Sacramento shooting on July 4, 2026, his parents, Deborah Lewis Grimes and Gregory Grimes, were thrust into every parent’s worst nightmare — the loss of their only child.
Yet in the face of unimaginable grief, they have chosen to honor their son’s life by preserving his legacy and pushing for positive change in their community.
Deborah and Gregory recall the day they learned their son had been shot near 15th and L streets.
He had been the Mix Downtown nightclub when the fatal gunfire erupted.
In court, Deborah shared heartbreaking memories of how her young grandson reacted to the news — hiding under the bed, unable to comprehend that his father was gone, and still holding onto the hope of enjoying the fireworks his dad had promised for that Fourth of July.
For his parents, the pain was not only the loss of their child but also the knowledge that their grandson would grow up without his father’s love and guidance.
“The pain is torturous even now,” Deborah told the judge during the sentencing of the man convicted in her son’s death.
Najee Grimes was more than just a football coach at Inderkum High School.
He was a mentor, community leader, and loving son. He called his mother just to “I love you,” and even had a floral subscription to send her surprise bouquets.
His father, Gregory, saw him as a man deeply committed to helping others, both on and off the field.
The Grimes family’s love for their son is evident in the stories they share — moments that capture his compassion, humor, and dedication. These memories drive them to keep his spirit alive through meaningful action.
Only a month after their son’s death, Deborah and Gregory established a foundation in Najee’s honor.
The organization regularly hosts events aimed at uplifting the Sacramento community, focusing on values of purpose, respect, and the sanctity of life.
They also introduced “Najee’s Law,” a proposed safety initiative designed to prevent similar tragedies.
The plan calls for mandatory exterior security cameras, walk-through metal detectors, and a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance in entertainment venues — all at no cost to taxpayers.
The couple has met with Sacramento’s mayor and city council members to advocate for these measures, determined to ensure that no other family endures the pain they have suffered.
The Professional Lives of Greg Grimes’ Parents, Deborah and Gregory Grimes
Beyond their role as grieving parents and community advocates, Deborah and Gregory each have careers rooted in service and leadership.
Deborah Lewis Grimes is the of Hire Power Recruits and has a professional background in media and communications.
She previously worked as a senior advertising consultant for Observer Media Group and studied Mass Media Communications at California State University, Sacramento.
A graduate of Valley High School, Deborah was born in Houston, Texas, and now lives in Sacramento, California.
Gregory Grimes has much of his career to counseling and social services.
He currently works as a case manager at WellSpace Health and has served as a counselor for CenterPoint Counseling, CenterPoint, Inc., and PRIDE Industries.
He studied Christian Studies and Theology at Sacramento Theological Seminary and was born in Bakersfield, California, before settling in Sacramento.
Their careers reflect the same values they instilled in their son — commitment to helping others, dedication to community, and a belief in making a difference.
In the wake of Najee’s death, those values have only grown stronger, shaping the way they channel their grief into meaningful action.
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