James E. Groom, 88 of Aurora, IL passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Rush Copley Medical Center. He was born July 6, 1934 in Ottumwa, Iowa.
He was a proud U.S. Army veteran.
James was a longtime member of St. Mary Church in Aurora and served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Moose. James loved history and traveling. He was known to turn a phase, sometimes without a filter but always lovingly. He remembered his early years in Iowa fondly and entertained his children with tales of growing up with his siblings there. These stories turned into a book he authored called "Zippo".
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family. His family was everything to him. With thirteen children he impressively called them by the correct name, at least fifty percent of the time.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy (Bumpus) Groom; eleven children, Phillip (Renae) Groom, Meg Groom, Kevin (Kelly) Groom, Jeffrey Groom, Chris (Alvida) Groom, Peter (Mary Beth) Groom, Matthew (Nadire) Groom, Sarah Groom, Patrick Groom, Paul (Amanda) Groom, Anne (Kevin Borgia) Groom; a daughter-in-law, Kim Groom; twenty four grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; his brother, Michael (Lily) Groom; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip E. and Margaret Ann (Shepard) Groom; two children, Mary Pazzol and Joseph Groom; three sisters, Margaret Morales, Frances Groom, Patricia Suter; two brothers, Richard Groom and Daniel Groom.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to St. Mary Church at 10:00 AM; Fr. Timothy Piasecki will officiate with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a liturgical wake service at 6:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. (630) 631-5500.
Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for James' family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in James' name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.