Jim Groseclose 1937-2020 (dies at the age of 83)

Obituary of James Douglas Groseclose

Fairfax – James Douglas Groseclose, 83, died peacefully Friday September 11, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family. While we offer the following tribute, it is not possible to capture the true legacy of Jim “JD” Groseclose.

Jim was born in Rural Retreat, VA on March 26, 1937, the son of Pearl Groseclose Corvin and her husband Osborne. He was raised in large extended family, many of whom grew up together with his Granny and Grandad Blessing. His humble beginnings, as part of this large, loving, family were the foundation that influenced his great love of family forever.

Following high school Jim enlisted in the US Air Force, where he earned a good conduct medal and stood up for his fellow airman, when treated unfairly due to his race. The CO considered what Jim said, leading him to say, “You are right, this isn’t a white man’s Air Force or a black man’s Air Force, it is the US Air Force.” In 1958, was transferred to the radar base in St. Albans, the 764th Radar Squadron, where he met the love of his life, Jean Bashaw. He and Jean married on March 7th, 1960, in St. Albans, where they began their family. Jim worked for DHIA, testing milk at many farms in Northwest Vermont, making friends along the way. He moved to Fairfax where he was active in the community, as a founding member of the Fairfax Rescue “jump squad”. Jim worked for IBM as a Quality Control Engineer for 30 years, retiring in 1992.

Jim was very active in St. Luke’s Parish. He was a Eucharistic Minister, was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus,served as the Grand Knight, Provost, and Treasurer, and Cursillo including Team Leader and New England Regional Cursillo Team member.

From an early age his athletic ability in multiple sports was evident. He was a member of the track team, and played basketball and baseball in high school, being invited to try out for the Phillies minor league team. His love of baseball transitioned to softball leagues and Little League coaching. Jim enjoyed golfing with his friends and family throughout Vermont. He excelled as a bowler. Jim was the first to roll a 300 game at the St. Albans Bowling Center. He bowled several 700 series as well, even bowling a 299 game when in his 70s. It was a sport he and Jean both enjoyed, traveling regionally for tournaments with a group of close friends. They also enjoyed frequently traveling to the coast of Maine where they enjoyed the beautiful ocean, scenery, seafood and time together.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, of Fairfax; and by their children, Dawn Pelkey and her husband Phil of Fletcher; their son Philip James (PJ), his wife Stephanie and their children Cody, Ariana, Shawna, Vanessa and Carson of Milton; their daughter Tiffany Sharp her husband Bobby, their children Spencer, Navin and Lincoln of Fairfax; Cindy Groseclose and her son Leonard James (LJ) of Fairfax; Karen Bushey and her husband Rick, their daughters Kaydee and Emily, son Rickey, his partner Alicia and their children, Autumn and Madison, of Winooski; Douglas Groseclose of Fairfax; Bill Groseclose, his wife Karen, their children Katrina and Mikayla Groseclose of Milton.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Martha Corvin, as well as her children Linda; Jerry and his wife Kay; Tim and his wife Nancy; nieces and nephews Deb Tovey and her husband Ed; Kim Herne and her husband Bob; Rebecca Gomez and her partner DJ Lawrence; Matthew Schwarzman, and their children. He also leaves his Uncle, Pete Groseclose, his wife Mary Grace and their children; his many cousins from Virginia and Vermont, especially his special cousin Barbara Marsh; as well as many great nieces and nephews. The number of people whose lives he touched are too numerous to list, co-workers, friends and “extra” children.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, his brother Lawrence and his son Roger, his dear sister-in-law Charlotte Blum, his aunts and uncles Margaret Hall, Dorothy Surratt, Lona Hills, Joy Umberger, Lillian Bralley, Verge Cox, Roy Groseclose, and his special cousin Larry Groseclose.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Luke Catholic Church in Fairfax. Those wishing to make charitable contributions on his behalf, two of his favorites were Covenant House and United Spinal Association.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.minorfh.com