Faculty Profile: Sharon Massey Grimes

Judge Sharon Massey Grimes is a General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge in Montgomery County, Tennessee. She was appointed to the bench by the Montgomery County Commission in January 2021, to complete the unexpired term of her late husband, Judge Ray Grimes. She was elected in August, 2022, to a full eight year term. 

Judge Massey Grimes is from Clarksville, Tennessee, and is the child of an Army retiree. She graduated from Clarksville Academy, then attended the University of Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Austin Peay State University. She received her Juris Doctor from Nashville School of Law in 1998. Prior to taking the bench, she was a general practice attorney for 23 years focusing on domestic issues, criminal law and adoption. She also owned Massey Title & Escrow. 

Judge Massey Grimes hears both Juvenile and Adult cases, including criminal and civil cases, Orders of Protection, Child Support and Termination cases, including DCS cases involving child abuse and neglect. Although Juvenile Courts do not currently hear adoption cases, they continue to conduct termination hearings. The highlight of her week is the Montgomery County Recovery Court working with participants in their journey for sobriety and a substance free life.

Judge Massey Grimes is a member of numerous Boards and Commissions including the Montgomery County Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Tennessee Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference, Tennessee Association of Recovery Court Professionals, and the American Academy of Adoption and Reproductive Attorneys. She is a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Clarksville Academy. She is a lifetime member of the VFW Post 11160 Women’s Auxiliary and is a mentor for law students in advanced writing skills at the Nashville School of Law.

Judge Massey Grimes and her late husband, Judge Ray Grimes, have five children and six grandchildren.