In 1911 William Grieve and his family were living at Hillyland, Tibbermore, Perthshire: Helen Bisset (83), (Head), b. Methven; Cecilia (49), (daughter), Lace Curtain Finisher, b. Redgorton; Henry (58), (Son), Stone Mason, b. Redgorton; William Grieve (32), (Grandson-in-law), Golf Club Maker, b. St. Andrews; Mary Grieve (29), (Granddaughter), b. Tibbermore; Jean (2), (Great-granddaughter), b. Perth; and John (1), (Great-grandson), b. Perth. . 

John Donaldson Grieve was born in Perth on 21 Jan 1911; he was the only son of William Evans Grieve, a golf club maker, and Mary Balmain Bisset, a fruiterer. He had an older sister, Jean, who died in infancy, and three younger sisters, Helen (Nelly) who also attended Perth Academy and non-identical twin sisters, Williamina (Minnie) and Elizabeth (Betty). His father Willie, as he was known, was a native of St Andrews, Fife, and learned his trade with Forgan, golf clubmakers. Willie moved to Perth, married, and opened a club maker's business at North Port, Perth, a few yards east of Fair Maid's House. The premises have since been demolished. Prior to marriage Willie had spent some time in the U.S.A. and was one of the pioneers who took the game of golf to that country.

John Donaldson Grieve attended Perth Academy which was then situated in Rose Terrace. His family were all members of St John's Kirk and he was an active member and officer in the Boys' Brigade. He was also an active member of the Perth Branch of the British Red Cross Society.

John Grieve was employed as an industrial chemist with Pullars of Perth and prior to World War II he moved to Northern Ireland where he met and married Emma McKinney. Emma's family owned and operated the Lilliput Laundry, Dunmurry, Belfast. They had a child, also named John Donaldson Grieve known as Donald, who still resides in Belfast.

Perthshire Advertiser, 10th February 1945

“DEATHS - On Active Service"

“GRIEVE - On February 4th, 1945, at a private nursing home, Belfast, John Donaldson Grieve, dearly loved husband of Emma Grieve, and only son of Mr and Mrs William Grieve, 13 Ballantine Place, Perth.”

John Donaldson Grieve is also commemorated on the St. John’s Kirk War Memorial.

John Donaldson Grieve's uncle, also named John Donaldson Grieve, served in the 16th Battalion Royal Scots (McCrae's Battalion) during World War I.

He was killed in action on 29 April 1918 and is buried in Roeux British Cemetery, France.

He is also commemorated on the St Andrews War Memorial, Fife and the Dunfermline War Memorial, Fife.