Joe L. Grojean

1925 - 2018

Joe L. Grojean obituary, 1925-2018, Jacksonville, IL

BORN

1925

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Williamson Funeral Home

1405 Lincoln Avenue

Jacksonville, Illinois

Joe Grojean Obituary

Joe L. Grojean, 93, of Jacksonville died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born July 14, 1925, in Charleston, Missouri, the son of Earl. E. and Margaret Reid Grojean. He married Mary Lou "Judy" Floro on Dec. 27, 1947, in West Frankfort, and she survives.

Joe also is survived by three sons, Joe E. (wife, Janet) Grojean of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles R. (wife, Linda) Grojean of Jacksonville, and Tom A. (wife, Julie) Grojean of Jacksonville; six grandchildren, Ben (wife, Krystal) Grojean of Omaha, Nebraska, Adam (wife, Amy) Grojean of Jacksonville, Nathan (wife, Allison) Grojean of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Nick (wife, Katie) Grojean of Bloomington, Mollie (husband, Kyle) Burdette of Libertyville, and Kate (husband, Pete) Govorchin of Libertyville; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Rear Adm. Charles D. Grojean, Retd., and Charles' wife, Joanie.

Joe moved to Jacksonville as a young man and graduated in 1944 from Jacksonville High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for two years as a flight engineer. Joe was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Jacksonville to attend Hardin-Brown Business College. Following his marriage to Judy, Joe entered into business with his father, Earl, and together they formed Grojean Realty and Insurance in 1949. Joe's career in insurance spanned more than 50 years, and his business continues today under the guidance of his family.

While the main loves of Joe's life were his wife and family, Joe became involved with Boy Scouts of America as a young man and he received his Eagle Scout award in 1940 in Decatur. His passion for Scouting continued throughout his life. Joe served as scoutmaster of Troop 107 in Jacksonville for 29 years. During his tenure, 95 Scouts received the rank of Eagle Scout. Joe was a registered member of Boy Scouts of America for 72 years, serving on the Abraham Lincoln Council as a member at large and vice president of Scouting for two years. Joe received the Silver Beaver Award in December 1963 and was especially honored in March 1990 to receive the Distinguished Eagle Recognition, a national award given annually to less than 1 percent of Eagle Scouts.

Joe also was active in community affairs in Jacksonville. He served as alderman for four years, from 1958 to 1962; and as president of Kiwanis in 1962. He served on the YMCA board from 1972 to 1975 and was a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he served on the Chamber board and was president of Life Underwriters, the Jacksonville Real Estate Board and Independent Insurance Agents. Joe was proud to have the opportunity to participate in a Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

When Joe wasn't spending time with his family or participating in Scouting events, he enjoyed woodworking in his shop or indulging his passion as an avid outdoorsman.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at Williamson Funeral Home, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Boy Scouts of America, Abraham Lincoln Council. Condolences may be left online at airsman-hires.com.

Published by Jacksonville Journal-Courier on Sep. 22, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joe Grojean

Not sure what to say?





My sincere condolences. Our family was saddened to hear the news, I was just visiting the old neighborhood last year. He was a wonderful man.

David Daniel

October 9, 2018

To Judy and the Grojean family, Barb and I send our love, thoughts, and prayers to you. We always looked forward to going to diner with Joe and Judy. We loved him and he will be missed. Just remember all the great times you shared together as the Gorjean family and he lives in all of you!

Mike and Barbara Sacchini

October 1, 2018

Mary Lou -- I was so sorry to read of Joe's passing.
Even though we haven't been in touch, I think of you
and our Benton gang often. My prayers are with you
and your family.

Denysia Bastas

September 26, 2018

My Condolences to the Grojean family. Joe was a great man and has done so much for the scouting and Jacksonville community. He will be missed.

Jerry Daniels

September 24, 2018

Deepest condolences to you and your family.

James Grable

September 24, 2018

Charlie & Tom...your family is in the Ryan family's heart & memories. Joe was my hero in Troop 107. Some of my fondest memories involve our fun in scouts. Your dad lived a wonderfully full & rewarding life. I'll remember him always. John Ryan

September 24, 2018

Grojean Family - Sending my sincerest condolences to your family. You were wonderful childhood neighbors to me! May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace at this time.♥

Linda Kane Cornett

September 23, 2018

The Grojean family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul & Laura Worrall

September 23, 2018

Michael Kuhse

September 22, 2018

Judy, Charlie, Tom and family,
I was saddened to hear of the Joe's passing and will always remember the positive impact Joe made on my life through my Scouting years. Many things that Joe taught us during those years still apply to my life today. I am proud to be counted as one of the 95 young men to receive my Eagle Scout Award under Joe's leadership. I shall always remember him.
God bless you all,
Greg Surrattt

Greg & Melissa Surratt

September 22, 2018

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

Z L

September 22, 2018

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Funeral services provided by:

Williamson Funeral Home

1405 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650

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