James "Jim" Groen

Sibley, IA James Jim Groen, age 66 of Sibley, IA died unexpectedly Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 10th at Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids, IA, with burial following at Riverview Cemetery at Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 9th from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. James Allen Groen was born August 17, 1944 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of Delmer and Engelina (Gronewold) Groen. He was raised on a farm southwest of George and attended George Community Schools. He graduated from George High School in 1962. After his education he worked various places. On August 24, 1963 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Haan in Rock Rapids, IA. He worked as a mechanic at an implement dealer and for Central Lyon Community School in the Bus Garage. Then he drove truck for Joes Ready Mix in Little Rock and later Sibley Concrete. James and Bonnie moved to Sibley, IA in 2002. James enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping in the outdoors and restoring old cars. He also enjoyed racing stock car #16 at the Rock Rapids Speedway and playing fast-pitch softball for the Sportmans Lounge. Most of all James loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as a hard working man who adored his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Bonnie Groen of Sibley, IA; two children, David A. (wife, Michelle) Groen of Sheldon, IA and Sharon R. (husband, Kevin) Tjepkes of Sibley, IA; four grandchildren, Prairie D. (husband, Matt) Seivert, Shauna R Tjepkes, Daniel J. Groen and Paul J. Tjepkes; three step grandchildren, Cody J., Trevor D. and Isaac A. Mayer; two brothers, Larry (wife, Marianne) Groen and Donald (wife, Audrey) Groen, both of George, IA; four sisters, Janice Broesder of Sheldon, IA, Marlys (husband, Marlin) Stellinga of Sheldon, IA, Karen (husband, Tony) Wright of Topeka, KS and Ellyn (husband, Jeff) Johnson of Rock Rapids, IA; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmer and Engelina Groen.