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James DeGroff Obituary
August 13, 1936 - February 2, 2025
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of James R. DeGroff Sr., "call me Jim", who left us on February 2, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Jim was born on August 13, 1936, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Dwight DeGroff and Lillian Mason. He spent the first half of his life in Connecticut, where his love for adventure and learning began.
In 1954, Jim joined the United States Navy, serving proudly as an electronic technician working on guided missiles. After retiring from the Navy, Jim worked as an electronic engineer for United Technologies in Connecticut, where he contributed to the early stages of the NASA space program. His passion for innovation and his engineering mind made a lasting impact in the aerospace field.
In the 1980s, Jim moved to California to continue his work as a systems engineer for Litton Guidance and Control, where he continued to shape advancements in the aerospace industry until his retirement in 2000.
After retirement, Jim found a new passion in real estate, quickly establishing himself as the "Land Man" of the Antelope Valley, where he excelled in land sales and earned many accolades for his expertise and professionalism.
Jim was most remembered for his exuberance and infectious spirit. His love for life and his ability to connect with people were his defining traits. Whether skiing down the slopes, restoring vintage VW Bugs, or playing a round of golf, Jim was always in motion, finding joy in every moment. He was actively involved in ski patrol for many years and made countless friends through his many hobbies.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Gail, and eight children: Rick, Gary, Wendy, David, Jason, Todd, Shannon, and Sean. He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren who will continue to carry on his legacy.
Jim's irrepressible energy, warmth, and kindness will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, adventure, and an unshakable zest for life will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to experience his infectious spirit. A private memorial service will be held to honor his memory. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to UCLA Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research in Jim's name.
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3 Entries
Patrick Knightly
February 11, 2025
I took skiing lessons from Jim at Mount Southington in the 70's, when I was a kid. I'm turning 60 next month, still skiing and putting to use the skills and technique that Jim so patiently imparted so many years ago. I remember him as a very nice guy, and I'm sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
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Jason DeGroff
February 7, 2025
Jason DeGroff
February 7, 2025
Dad always liked to drive. He would wake us at 4AM on a Sunday morning, drive four hours to Killington, VT. and ski with us all day long, and then drive all the way home. We all slept both ways. I share that love for driving but he set the standard. Later in life he would drive in the van pool for work when it was his turn, but then would let others sleep and take their spot driving in the rotation too!
Skiing and going to the Cape will always hold special places in my heart that we did together, and later in California going to the beach, Tahoe, and Disney were great times. Dad introduced me to Sudoku and we did so many together on my visits. Now, I do them almost every night with my oldest daughter.
Dad told me when I was in high school that it isn't how much money you make, but how much you love getting up each day and going to work. I am very fortunate that I followed that advice and love teaching so much.
My first memory was of dad making pancakes on the "gen-air" in our kitchen in Kensington.
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