James Groves

James Hampton Groves, 86, of Fort Collins left his family for a better place July 24 at Larimer County Hospice at McKee Medical Center in Loveland. Jim was born in Shelbyville, Ind., and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis. Jim loved flying and became a licensed pilot by the time he was 16. Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II and graduated from Advanced Glider Pilot School in Lubbock, Texas, in the class 43-15. Staff Sergeant Groves served his country flying as a glider pilot, a C47 co-pilot and a L5 pilot in the Philippines. As a flight officer, Jim was awarded the Silver Star Medal on July 1, 1945, for bravery during air strikes over the Lenatin River Valley Area, Luzon, Philippines. He flew 98 combat missions for more than 300 hours and was awarded numerous ribbons and battle stars. After the war, Jim graduated from Rose Polytechnic Institute in Terre Haute, Ind., with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering. After 27 years of service, Jim retired from American Can Company Research and Development Division in Barrington, Ill. He was the director of research and was instrumental in the development of several key adhesives used in can manufacturing. Jim held 13 patents. Later, Jim joined Sherwin Williams for 10 years as vice president and technical director of the Container Research Division and actively worked on the development of the plastic paint can. Jim married Jeanette Fleener in Mooresville, Ind., on March 27, 1948. Jim and Jeanette enjoyed 59 years of marriage during which they shared a love of big band music and swing dancing. They retired to Seneca, S.C., for 10 years where Jim pursued his passions for golf, hiking, boating and bridge. Later, they moved to Fort Collins where Jim was an active bridge player at the Senior Center. James was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Mae Groves; his stepmother, Opal Groves; and brother, Jack L. Groves. James is survived by his wife, Jeanette; son, Jeff Groves of Eaton; daughter, Jan Michael of Coldwater, Mich.; and grandchildren, Kelly Merkel and Kerry Merkel both of Lafayette, Drew Michael of Washington D.C., and Brian Michael of Boulder. All of his grandchildren hold fond memories of their grandfather sharing hidden treats, taking them fishing and sharing salty sea tales. Jim's ready smile, genuine interest in people and quick wit, along with his creative and inquisitive perspective on life are his legacy. Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Larimer County in name of James H. Groves. Jim will be laid to rest with the Fleener Family in Mooresville, Ind. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com