James "Jim" Gromer

James L. "Jim" Gromer, was born in Kankakee, on Nov. 9, 1951, the son of George and Doris (Magruder) Gromer.A lifelong resident of the Kankakee County area, Jim graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in 1969.

He took a job with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) shortly thereafter. Jim would retire from IDOT after a distinguished 32-year career. Always a paragon of hard work, Jim started his own company, Stripe-It-Rite, in 1992, with his wife of 42 years, Mari. After retiring from IDOT, Jim continued to operate his own business and worked for Tyson Engineering, Inc. and Piggush Engineering, Inc. For many years he also worked nights, tending bar at the Moose Lodge and Bon Vivant Country Club. Jim was an active member of Moose Lodge 802 AND Laborers Local 751.

While Jim was an incredibly hard worker, he also knew how to have fun. He loved listening to rock and roll (at full volume), attending concerts and driving his red Corvette. After retirement, he loved to golf and to watch golf (also at full volume) often while snoozing on the couch. Sunday mornings would find him out for coffee with his buddies, reconnecting with old friends or visiting his cousins. Jim enjoyed traveling, taking many trips to Mexico and the Caribbean over the years. He was always ready for a game of euchre or backgammon.

Most of all, Jim loved his family. He was a dependable and tireless provider for those he loved, committed to ensuring their happiness. Jim set an example of dedication to hard work for his children and grandchildren, such as they never took his generosity for granted.

Jim passed away Saturday (Aug. 26, 2023), after a long battle with cancer. His strength in the face of his illness was an inspiration to those close to him, and while his loss is mourned, the way he enriched the lives of his family and friends is celebrated.

Surviving are his wife, Mari Hamilton Gromer; his daughter, Stacy Cordes, and her husband, Jon; his son, Adam, and his wife, Katherine Darr; and his grandkids, Jackson and Austin Cordes and Alyssa Darr.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and his brother, Jerry Gromer.

The family said, "We would be remiss if we didn't thank his amazing team at University of Chicago, Dr. Ari Rosenberg, Kate C., Kari S. and Jeff C. These kind and compassionate people did everything they could to make Jim's journey easier. We're grateful for the help and support of UpliftedCare Hospice."

Memorials may be made to Relay For Life of Kankakee County or UpliftedCare Hospice, Bourbonnais.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

There will be a gathering of friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at Schreffler Funeral Homes, Kankakee Chapel.

Please sign his online guestbook at schrefflferfuneralhomes.com.