Trooper John Geim died in an aircraft accident.

On the morning of July 13, 1945, suspects fled from troopers traveling on gravel roads from Campbell, Missouri into Arkansas. Trooper Greim suggested he obtain a plane to assist with the pursuit and manhunt. He contacted a private citizen in Campbell, and owner of two planes, and shortly after, the citizen and Trooper Greim were airborne over the area. The suspect vehicle was located abandoned a short time later. Trooper Bradley, who was assisting in the search, saw the plane carrying the citizen, Claude Hays and Trooper Greim pass low overhead. After passing Trooper Bradley, the plane continued down the route of the highway, made a short turn, and crashed into the ground. The crash killed Claude Hays instantly. Trooper Greim was removed from the plane wreckage and transported to the hospital in Corning, Arkansas, by a local citizen in his pickup truck. Trooper Greim was pronounced dead at the Corning Hospital shortly after his arrival. The vehicle the officers had pursued was later determined to be stolen.

Trooper Greim served on the Highway Patrol since October 1, 1939. He was survived by his wife and one child. Interred: Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg, MO.