James A. Grover, Jr., age 82, of Bonita Springs, Florida, LaGrange Ohio, and formerly of Jackson, Ohio, passed away Sunday, April 12. He was born Aug. 15, 1937 in Jackson, Ohio to James A Grover, Sr. and May (Boggs) Grover.
After graduating from Jackson High School, Jim turned a stint in the Air Force into a lifelong career with the FAA, a job he called practical and essential — two of many words that could be used to describe him. He had no use for things he considered frivolous, and was a principled man who valued hard work, education, and tangible results. His standards for others could be high but paled in comparison to those which he held himself.
Jim was a private man with an incredibly big heart, and a lot of love for his family and friends. He marched to the beat of his own drum and made an impression wherever the music led him. He was a dedicated and treasured member of the Gulf Shore Life Center; he loved the Lord his God with all his heart, all his soul, and deeply loved his neighbors. Jim tried to do right by anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him, and he will be deeply missed.
An avid learner and reader, Jim was especially fond of Louis L’Amour novels. He was not fond of salt (unless it was used in a tried-and-true home remedy). He loved country, folk, calypso, and bluegrass music, especially The Kingston Trio and Harry Belafonte.
He is survived by two sisters: Wanda Hawk and Carol (Richard) Phipps; two grandchildren, Caitlin and Javan, and many other treasured family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Roger Lee Grover and James Randall Grover; and four sisters: Allie Ilene Booth, Kathleen Morganstern, Geraldine Stansberry, and Joann Stone.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions on public gatherings, private family funeral services will be held. A service honoring Jim’s life will be held at the Gulf Shore Life Center at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to: The Lucy Idol Center, P.O. Box 162, 435 Nicholson Road, Vermilion, OH 44089 or at lucyidolcenter.org. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfh.com
“Remember that, son. The dogs bark, but the wagons go on their way, and if you’re going someplace you haven’t time to bother with barking dogs.” –Louis L’Amour.