Groves, James A (1932-2015)

GROVES, ALEXANDER, THOMSON, FORTNER, COHEN

Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 3/2/2015 at 14:55:56

Wellsville Daily.com

James Alan ""Jim"" Groves died on Feb. 1, 2015, after a brief illness. He was born in Webster City, Iowa, Feb. 24, 1932, youngest son of Wilfred and Helen Alexander Groves. He grew up on the family farm, which is still in operation.

He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy for ""3 Years, 9 Months and 21 Days!"" as an Aviation Machinist's Mate. One of his duties was pre-flighting Corsair and Bearcat prop fighter planes as well as the new Panther jet fighters. After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Iowa State University and earned his BS in Aeronautical Engineering.

In 1958, he married Mary Ellen Thomson of Kingsley, Iowa, and they moved to Wellsville that same year. Jim was employed by Air Preheater for 39 years until retirement in 1997. He is a holder of one engineering patent and a co-holder of two others. During his first years of retirement, he, along with friends and family, restored his 1956 Triumph TR3 sports car that he and Mary purchased when they moved to NY state.

Jim was active in the community, serving 24 years on the Jones Memorial Hospital board of directors. In the first few years living in Wellsville, he was a member of the Nancy Howe Players. For several years, Jim was a Cub Scout and Webelos den and pack leader. He also served on various church committees and sang in the First Congregational Church choir.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Anne Groves; son, John and wife Colleen Fortner Groves, son, George and wife Laura Cohen Groves and granddaughter, Caroline Groves.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in Webster City, Iowa.