Gifford departed this life on May 4, 2026, at the age of 55. He was born November 23, 1970 in Manhattan, New York and raised in Astoria, Queens. Gifford later moved with his family to Hampton, Virginia where he attended and graduated from Phoebus High School (PHS). He served as an active member of the Marching Band and Junior ROTC, developing strong discipline, time management, and teamwork skills. Upon graduating from high school, Gifford began his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army. During his time in active duty service, Gifford was a member of the Airborne Division, with specialized combatives and military boxing training.

 He received numerous awards. Not only did Gifford risk his life for our country, he was also recognized for his quick thinking, and for saving the life of a drowning child while at a public pool facility. Once a protector, always a protector. His sacrifices and body reflected the situation in battle (in and outside the fields) The wounds to his body (internal and external) gave testimony of his heroic acts. Gifford concluded a 13-year military career to transition to civilian life in Hampton, Virginia. He attended college and earned his associate degree in business. Gifford cherished his friends and family above all else. He thrived on deep friendships and used his downtime to actively refuel. His favorite pastime was preserving their shared history through scrapbooking and curating meaningful memory albums.

 He is survived by his mother Julia Grimes Green (Terry); step-mother, Mary Grimes; sisters, Vanessa Grimes Smith (Anthony), and Phyllis “Phe Phe” Grimes; brothers, James Thomas “Duke” Grimes, Jr. (Karen), Levin “Nedabo” Grimes (Eula), and Tyrone “TC” Wesley Grimes; nephews, Shawn L. Smith, II, Vaughn A. Smith, and Najmah Grimes; niece, Lakeshia Grimes and a host of aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Gifford was predeceased by his father, James Thomas Grimes, Sr.; step father, Allan Green; sisters; Celestine “Ricky Grimes, and Natasha “Tita” Green; maternal grandmother, Ethel Louise Wilson; maternal grandfather, Doward “Bubba” Wilson; paternal grandmother, Nicie Grimes Harris; and paternal grandfather, James Brown. Gifford’s legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to his family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., May 23, 2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. 23607