J Warren Grooters

J Warren Grooters, known to many as J, John, or Warren, 96, was born on July 24, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ethel (Haskins) and John Grooters. J lived his life as a happy bachelor, loved music, especially classical and old Broadway show tunes, as well as keeping up his home and yard until he could no longer do so. He passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024. J leaves behind a legacy of being a good friend and was kind to all.

His joy was his extended family across the country whom he enjoyed staying in touch with by letter or phone call. He missed his late four-legged family, Nickie, his Husky, and Cocoa, his cat. He will be missed by many friends, especially his neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel and his five sisters, Dorothy (Lynn Spencer), Marjorie (Mike Petruska), Marion (Don Turnbull), Carol (Jim McFeely), and Shirley.

Those who knew J were greeted in local businesses he frequented with a friendly hello and invited conversation. J was a talented artist who often presented staff and customers at local restaurants with on-the-spot sketches or paintings. He was always happy to have his work enjoyed.

J was very grateful for the compassion and personal assistance from a number of in-home care givers over the past three years. He especially loved Allison and her service dog, Willie. Allison went above and beyond to provide not only seeing to J’s personal home care needs but also sat side by side with J to allow him to once again enjoy drawing and painting with oils and watercolors which he so loved.

J was always excited to celebrate his birthday. He loved the singing and merry making surrounding the lighting of the candles on his birthday cake. In his later years, he would joke about making it to at least 96 years as did at least one of his sisters at the time of her passing. This year, just a few weeks ago, he celebrated his 96th birthday at Crawford Continuing Care Center with friends and Center residents and staff. He was so tickled when “Happy Birthday” was played on the piano and everyone sang to him! His friends could not have been happier to see J safe and cared for so compassionately at Crawford Continuing Care Center and Grayling hospital. 

He is survived by his brother in-law Ed Dykstra and many other nieces and nephews. 

According to his wishes, the family will remember him privately. J’s remains will be interred with other family members at Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, 5786 Fairground Lane, Grayling, MI.

Condolences can be shared with J's family at www.sorensonlockwood.com

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.