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James "Jim" Groth
1963 - 2015
James "Jim" Groth
1963 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1963
DIED
2015
James Groth Obituary
Jim was born and immediately dubbed "our favorite child" to John and Joan Groth in March of 1963. Their constant love, support, caring far exceeded anything Jim deserved.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years the recently wealthy and overly devoted Julie and his proudest accomplishments sons Brandon John, Blake Isa, and Brett James. Additionally he is survived by his much older sister Lisa Dickman of whythehelldoyoulivethere Rhode Island and younger Brother John Groth of West Palm Beach Fla. Jims demise will now allow them to emerge from his shadow. A variety of nieces and nephews with mediocre upbringing would complete the list of those left to embellish his memory.
Jim's employment history was standard, College recruiter, Oyster Shucker, YMCA executive director, and for the past 16 years Industrial Construction Project Management. He had two basic philosophies regarding work "careers are for the unimaginative "and, "surround yourself with great people and stay the hell out of their way."
His 30 plus years as a volunteer soccer coach from the kindergarten to High school level afforded hundreds of Children and parents exposure to Jim's unique personality. Half a dozen or so of these folks might speak of him fondly if pressed.
Jim died knowing that Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the best movie ever. Bruce Springsteen best recording artist, Clint Eastwood the baddest man on the planet, and that chicks dig El Caminos.
His regrets were few but include eating a rotisserie hot dog from a convenience store in the summer of 2002, not training his faithful dog Rita to detect cancer, and that no video evidence exists of his prowess on the soccer field or in the bedroom.
Although a less than average life span, Jim did not live an average life. He traveled where he wanted to travel, laughed inappropriately at every chance, learned what he wanted to learn, fix what he wanted to fix and loved who he wanted to love.
Cremation will take place at the family's convenience, and his ashes will be kept around as long as they match the décor.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 9:00am until 12:00pm with a Memorial Service to begin at 12:00pm at Hixson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff, LA. Don't be late!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart of Hospice, 750 Bayou Pines East, Suite A, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Anyone wearing black will not be admitted to the memorial. "
–Jim Groth
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Richard Culbertson
August 22, 2016
Jimmy, It looks as though your pages here will be meeting their end as well. The number of people that left a note make a great statement about you... Sorry we never met.
I trust you have reached the promised land and are well beyond our well wishes. Have a great afterlife.
claudia callahan
July 24, 2016
Sorry I never met him, I would have loved him!
Natasha
May 10, 2016
What a personality. Jim seemed like a hoot to be around. I am sorry for your loss, it will be hugely felt but he left such memories to be cherished. He will live on in all of you. May drawing close to God in prayer bring you comfort and peace. Phil 4:6,7
Cindy Jacobsma
May 9, 2016
Come to think of it, obituaries are meant to inspire. This one does. Onward goes James Groth, suited in armor and joined by those who seek the grail. All is as it should be. I thank you for your inspiration.
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Arthur Washburn
March 14, 2016
I just got around to reading the JU Wave I received last fall thrown on a pile of other mags & saw the obit on Jim. I met Jim over 30 years ago at JU and considered him a good friend, one of the good guys. I remember the last time I saw him in passing picking up my son at the Y in Arlington and talked about JU. Julie you were truly blessed having Jim as you soul mate.
Arthur Washburn, Jacksonville, FL
Mary A
February 23, 2016
I AM SENDING MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCE TO YOUR FAMILY.PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY ISAIAH 61:1-2 WHICH STATES IN PART:"GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".
Stephanie
February 21, 2016
This is a brilliant obituary and legacy!
Karen
February 9, 2016
This is pretty cool and would certainly bring a smile to the face of the mourners. This has inspired me to write my own obit. My condolences.
Sharon Martin
January 9, 2016
It hurts to lose such a joyful and happy soul, so please take comfort from Jesus' words at John 11:24, 25. I know it brings me comfort and help me smile when I think of my dad's great jokes. I truly hopes it helps you too!
J.B.
November 29, 2015
What wit and insouciance in the face of death; I hope his passing was pain free. On a lesser note, I also hope he wrote other pieces that you will share with the world when you are ready. I find his writing style reminiscent of Mark Twain, and worthy of immortality in and of itself.
Please know that others, like me, are still finding comfort and inspiration in the tears and laughter brought on by reading Jim's words. Not being a Facebook or TV watcher, I stumbled upon this link at random, and wanted you to know it continues to touch people far away.
Thank you, Jim and family.
Cynthia Christian
September 19, 2015
May the memories of joy and laughter help carry you through your sorrow. May the peace that God provides guard you heart. (Philippians 4:7).
August 30, 2015
Paradise Psalms 37:29
nan robertson
August 26, 2015
Great Obit! Truly captures the life of a man I would have loved to know. Don't know any of you, didn't know Jim. Just saw the obit and was made happy by the humor.
Diane Peterson
August 11, 2015
Jim was a great guy and fun to be around, his life and personality was cut short but he at least lived a good life, the way he wanted to live. RIP, I enjoyed reading your Obituary and Thank you for the honor to know you through your writing. God Bless you Jim and Family.
mr melvis
August 11, 2015
This made me laugh and cry at the same time - what a great attitude towards life and death. Godspeed and Rest In Peace fellow traveler...
caring
August 6, 2015
Cancer is such a sneaky disease ... So sorry such a much loved man had to end his life by it !! What a happy man left his earthly home , God bless the family he
left behind .
Bill MacTavish
August 6, 2015
I truly believe I've missed an opportunity in life by never meeting Jim. My condolences to what seems to be a great family. Live life, have fun and remember Jim with fondness, let him help you along the way.
August 5, 2015
rest in peace jim, i hope there is no wee rocks under you to disturb your peaceful sleep, my deepest sympathy to your loving family. what a joy it would have been to meet you son, and thank you for making me smile. now go ahead jim, give all those comediens gone before you a run for their money, you will be the headliner of the show,I have no doubt. please give my front row seat to a more deserving person jim. see you later if thats ok with you pal ? God Bless You, from a 80 yrs scottish grannie in Ottawa Canada
Lourdes Vigil
August 5, 2015
My condolences to the family of Jim Growth. I did not know him, but from reading his obituary on FB, I know he had to be a very special man... One that is now greatly missed by all who knew him. But, take comfort in knowing he is making them smile in Heaven! I pray for the repose of his soul. +
Monika Barkley
August 4, 2015
Sure would have loved to have met you Jim Groth! You crack me up... even in your passing which I hate because I would have loved to have met you, in life, and from one favorite child to another.. we usually got what we wanted!
Laurie
August 4, 2015
I hope Jim would be pleased to know that a total stranger feels oddly connected to him posthumously after reading his obituary. My sympathy to his family in their loss and my gratitude to him for his wonderful goodbye. RIP Jim
Rose Chirkin
August 4, 2015
I didn't know this man. But, after reading his obituary, I am incredibly sorry for not knowing him. What an amazing wit! My condolences to the family of this man that was clearly so full of life!
Kandice Bridges
August 4, 2015
I have never met Jim or any member of his family, but somehow through the miracle of Facebook, I found his most excellent obituary. Had I, I would have appreciated his sense of humor. For his family and friends, please accept condolences on your loss from a totally random internet stranger in Dallas, Texas.
Janie Cook
August 4, 2015
Thank you for sharing your life with you. God Bless You.
melissa
August 4, 2015
Wish I had knew him, he sounds like that someone you would want to surround yourself with. Prayers to the family and God Bless
Gracie F
August 4, 2015
Thank you Jim for making all of us smile, even those of us who didn't know you and found your last words through an internet link. I know your family and friends will miss you dearly, but I'm sure will have wonderful funny memories of you. Rest in Peace Jim!
Michelle Carter
August 4, 2015
I never knew this man but, and this is the weird part, I am going to miss that guy!
Carolyn Means
August 4, 2015
I did not know Jim, but I suspect my life would have been richer, had I known him...May he rest in peace!
August 4, 2015
Rip You were hilarious
H. Penley
August 4, 2015
Very Cool Jim!!! I don't know you but I already like you, see you on the flip side
Erelene Collins
August 4, 2015
I didn't know Jim,,but wish I had!!
noelle Lavergne
August 4, 2015
Wish I could have known this man.. I read his obituary. I followed a link. It was amazing. I hope all of you who are hurting with his loss find peace that he touched so many. A he is still touching a few in death. God bless you all
Mike
August 4, 2015
He sounds like someone I would have a drink with. Rest in peace and sorry for your loss.
Kris
August 4, 2015
What an Awesome, Genuine Spirit!!!
Janice Williams
August 4, 2015
I did not know him but wish I had after reading his obituary. Jim sounds like a wonderful husband and father. May your memories of him comfort you during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
T JARRETT
August 3, 2015
To the family hold on to those great memories. I don't know you or Jim,but I wish I would of had a chance to meet him at least once. He sounds like a big kid at heart.
Jean Weir
August 3, 2015
I am advising my eldest son that this is the way I want to be memorialized. Not sure his words will be as nice. RIP Jim. Thanks for the last laugh hun. (and God Bless your family for they are definitely missing a hunk of their soul)
August 3, 2015
What an awesome thing for him to do.God bless him and his family.Prayers for you all.
Pam
August 3, 2015
So a viral obituary by a guy with an amazing sense of humor. I don't even know him, but I know he'd find this pretty funny. Godspeed. And prayers to your family.
Cate
August 3, 2015
Julie and boys, I did not know Jim but read his obituary and he sounds like a wonderful man. His words made me laugh, brought a tear to my eye and a wish that I could have known him. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
Sheree G
August 3, 2015
And to think more than a dozen ppl are speaking fondly of Jim now. He sounds like he was a character and a half. If we only had more ppl like ole Jim !! To his family each if you should share your best, funniest, most serious , and above all the most sarcastic memory or saying or talk share with each other. Sheree g plant city florida
anon ymous
August 3, 2015
That was a terrific one. Getting in the last word is awesome. I better start working on mine. Have a safe journey.
Shandra Richardson
August 3, 2015
This is beautiful, he must have been a great man! My condolences to the family.
Wayne Hotaling
August 3, 2015
I never met you but wish I had,my you rest in peace in paradise
cindy Roberts
August 3, 2015
sounds like he was fun to be around and was very much a all around good man
August 3, 2015
I hope to face my future with just as much dignity! Here's to who sounds reasonably like a great man!
August 3, 2015
I have no idea who Jim is, but what a hell of a life he lived. Celebrate. That dude was way cool. Loved the "our favorite child".
Tracy Walker
August 3, 2015
To Live and Let Live!!!
Way to Go Jim!!!
Richard C
August 3, 2015
Now that's an exit! Wish we would have met.
Luke Dollard
August 3, 2015
I didn't even know him but I really wished I had.
Kay Smith
August 3, 2015
He sounds like he was a wonderful human being!!! Such a way with words - I wish I could have met him. God Speed Jim!!!!
Annie Leon
August 3, 2015
I bet he had no idea this would go viral! We all hope to leave something behind in life to be remembered by and he sure hit the nail on the head!!! What a great life to be able to celebrate. Prayers for the family!
Karen Conrad
August 3, 2015
What a beautiful thing. Thanks for sharing this, it added a smile to my Day so i can only Imagine what he added to the "real" people During his "Real LIFE" !
Deana Davenport
August 3, 2015
This man had to have been ten kinds of awesome, reading this made me laugh and cry.
Betty Drake
August 3, 2015
I have to say I wish I could have been at least a peripheral part of your life , since now I feel like I know you. Indeed I did experience a generous portion of who you are on this day. I'm so touched and blessed. Thank you and may your spirit continue to shine on your loved ones.
Bettie Powell
August 3, 2015
Few people know how to live & die, but Jim did. :) Shine on !
Mary Reed
August 3, 2015
I don't know you, but wish I had.
August 3, 2015
I guess you really know you're somebody when your Obit is all over Facebook. But more, all over TV News. You'll be busy now, fielding the calls from Dateline, 60 Minutes and the like. I'm only upset that Jim went before me, 'cuz he stole my idea. Did he also write his own Eulogy? I've thought about doing that too. I'm from New Orleans, live in Baton Rouge & have cousins in Lake Charles. My heartfelt wishes go out to Jim's friends & family. Just remember, we are all a part of the many who have touched our lives. You all have a piece of Jim in your hearts. Do Smile whenever that something happens that reminds you of him.
~Kayren (Baton Rouge,LA)
Patricia Jones
August 3, 2015
Gone but not forgotten, Rest In Heaven!
Pamela Olson
August 3, 2015
I love his quirky sense of humor. He sounds like a fabulous person I would've liked to have known. Best wishes to his family.
August 3, 2015
He went out of this life with grace and humor!!!! Wish I had of known him!!!
Melinda from Longview, Tx
James Sena
August 3, 2015
He sounds like one of the greatest men I never met. My condolences to his family- thanks for sharing his humor with the rest of us.
Lissa Forest
August 3, 2015
Hi Julie, its a sad situation but from the obit, he even Then wanted to continue to make you smile at a time when it would Definitely be the hardest. And if its an help to know that Jehovah KNOWs the Very numbers of hair on our heads and so can bring that same night back in the resurrection that Jesus spoke of. Sincere prayers to you and your family
Carolyn Johnson
August 3, 2015
Sounds like an amazing person. He must have been a joy to every life he touched...Now gone but never ever forgotten...
Patricia D'Amario
August 3, 2015
Prayers to all who knew and loved Jim........ and I would like to thank "Jims' family" for allowing me to view your photos....thank you for your generosity, Julie , I will remember Jim and your family forever--
Margarita Fox
August 3, 2015
You had me at 'monty python' which redeemed your comment about 'el camino' unless you were misspelling 'mercedes benz'.
Katy Carson
August 3, 2015
Jim will live forever in your memories. Future genealogists in the Groth family will get a kick out of him, too!
J. Wrobel
August 3, 2015
I so wish I'd have known this man. What a treat it would have been. Sassy to the core.
Syn Henthorne
August 3, 2015
I, too, wish I had known him. I wish your family peace and many years filled with happy memories. There will be, no doubt, many moments for years to come, when a memory sneaks in and you smile and let out a little giggle to yourself as I have done for many years with my own daddy. Those moments are treasures-like brief hugs along the way.
Jimmie Young
August 3, 2015
It would have been a honor and privilege to have known you, rest in peace and happiness
Carrolyn Benoit
August 3, 2015
Amazing memorial..What a life and I'm sure everyone you met was a better person for having known you. You inspired so many when here on this earth and I have no doubt that you will continue to insire for many lifetimes to come. Bless you and your family. I'm the poorer one for not having known you......
pam white
August 3, 2015
So sorry for your loss ! Jim sounded like he was a wonderful person to have around ! May you continue to laugh at inappropriate times :)
Diana Roddy
August 3, 2015
There is no greater gift than that of laughter. I wish more obits were true to personality. Prayers are with the family left behind to continue on without such a cheerful soul.
Nancy Bost
August 3, 2015
Sending prayers to the family and friends. To know him must have been an honor. And that he left a message of love and laughter for you all to remember him by.
Chris rogers
August 3, 2015
Hello. I'm very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Jim but I wish I would have.
I saw in one of his pics that he was wearing a Bluth Company t-shirt. Anyone who gets this t-shirt are surely kindred spirits! Arrested Development was an awesome show and surely a favorite of someone with his sense of humour. Peace to everyone. Check out the show sometime when you have a chance!
Chris Rogers
August 3, 2015
Mr Groth, I didn't know you in this life but, I sure hope to know you in the next. Very much love to your family. Gregory Daniels Hickory NC
Mike Terry
August 3, 2015
I wish I had known him. He seems like the type of friend that would better everyone around him. Rest in peace and prayers to the family.
Teresa Garner
August 3, 2015
To Julie- So sorry for your loss. Judging from the obituary, you have lived a very rich 25 years filled with laughter and joy. I wish you and yours smiles, laughter, and peace.
Tes
August 3, 2015
Jim, you're obituary reminded me of so many of my immediate family members -- I could practically hear their voices as I read it in my mind (I would be the "mediocre upbringing niece" lol. Amazing how a sense of humor manages to live in the smiles of total strangers even after your passing. Your family was blessed to have had you in their lives. Rest in love.
Ross Mackey
August 3, 2015
I wish I had known him.
Kathryn Smith
August 2, 2015
He wrote the perfect obit the kind l want plenty of laughter and good memories of me and I hope they tell a few good jokes
Patricia Simmons
August 2, 2015
Wow what amazing person you was, the joy and love for your family and friends.... Amazing... My thoughts and prayers going out to your family and friends
August 2, 2015
Thanks for the laughs Jim. I didn't know you but a man that can makes strangers laugh, even after
he is gone, is something to behold!
Cathy Noble
August 2, 2015
What a joy it would have been to know you. My prayers are with your family and friends as I can imagine the loss they must feel... But oh the memories they must have as even in your last words you seem full of laughter and happiness about a life that may have been short, but was very well lived. God Bless.
Tamela Nix
August 2, 2015
Love this! I wish you a blessed eternity and peace funny man! You made my Sunday morning brighter! May God have mercy on your soul and mine too when the day comes!
Lori
August 2, 2015
Through your writing, we all are able to have a clear glimpse into your live and how you really lived it. You achieved what everyone hopes to achieve with their loved ones obituary. Thank you so much for sharing a life well lived. RIP Jim Groth
KarenfromHartland
August 2, 2015
The Man - The Myth - The Legend
Today I had the honor of reading of the man who embodied all three - rolled into one amazing man. Humor spitting in the eye of death. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet you. You sound like a helluva guy! Forget that 'Rest in Peace' stuff. Enjoy every moment up there and go play soccer with St Peter!
August 2, 2015
Wish I had know Jim, he sounds like he was a great man. I have been writing my own obit, now I will have to make it better.Lorraine Robinson, Wilton CA
Linda Hays
August 1, 2015
My husband would have loved being your friend. You'll are much alike. Come to think of it, you do both know each other now, in Heaven.
Patti Mcpherson
August 1, 2015
So sorry for your loss.. I am a friend of Irene and Jans and saw the wonderful pic... Know that he is on he wonderful next journey and ou WILL see him again...
Robert Rukab
August 1, 2015
Jiim was a man in life and passed away as a man. God bless you Jim and we will always be here for Julie and the boys. Love you all.
Amy Hood
August 1, 2015
My husband and I not only knew Jim but at one time we were fortunate enough to have him for a neighbor. He was absolutely as naturally witty and full of life as his obit would cause you to expect. The special thing that we were able to experience was that the entire family was equally wonderful! Jim and Julie's boys were the first kids in the neighborhood to befriend our daughter and I pretty sure they did it about 5 minutes after we unpacked! I will never forget her running home and telling us she had made new friends and asking if she could play on the zip-lines their dad had made in the back yard! Like so many others, we feel our lives are a little more special for having know him.
August 1, 2015
Rest in peace Jim! I can say this obituary is the wittiest, most honestly real and much needed twist that we all wish we might leave for others to remember and I will always remember this one. It truly touches my soul and I hope that I have the chance to do the same for my loved ones. We all have thought about what people would say of us when we are gone. Why not say it yourself. Wish I could have known you. I know we would have been friends. Lisa-Welsh, LA
v-ron :)
August 1, 2015
Rip jim, even though i did not know you, you made an impact on everyone you made cobtact with im sure. Because look at your obit ! Everyone from all over is reading this, laughing at your humor and giving encouragement to your loved ones ! Millions will be touched and remember the guy they never got to meet :)
August 1, 2015
We should all leave this world with words to the remaining that even in death there can be laughter. I'm sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting him. May God bless his family.
Captain Rick
Uncertain' Tx.
Carla
August 1, 2015
No Jim, I didn't know you either. But you made me smile. My favorite line was how you wished you taught your dog to sniff out cancer. Me too!! But I'm doing good. And you reminded me of that. So no black for me to wear. Celebrate life. And watch Monty Python be that is the greatest movie there is!!! God Bless your family.
Terry Easterly
August 1, 2015
Never had the pleasure of meeting you, Jim, but I know we would have been friends.
August 1, 2015
With love from Norway
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