James Edward Groendyke, 80, of Roanoke, Virginia, formerly of Wabash County, Indiana died at 10:22 am, Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Star City Rehabilitation in Roanoke. He was born on January 12, 1944, in Wabash, Indiana, to Charles and Thelma (Conrad) Groendyke.
Jim was a US Air Force veteran and retired from CSX Rail Road formerly C & O Rail Road. He was a member of the Urbana Yoke Parish. Jim was gregarious and never knew a stranger. He had a big heart and was generous with his time and talents. The coffee pot was always on and the conversation lively. He loved things “last century”. His house was filled with working kerosene lamps and he heated with wood. He enjoyed nature and the outdoors.
Jim liked country music, cowboys and history. He also enjoyed collecting guns, loaded ammo, leather working, cooking, tatting and lacing. He always said he was born too late. (and gone too soon for those who loved him).
He is survived by two sisters, Cheryl Gordon of Roanoke, Virginia and Nancyanna Townsend of Montpelier, Indiana; nephews, Erik (Allison) Gordon, Scott Townsend and Sean Townsend, and niece, Janessa (Michael) Hatcher, and two great nephews, Heath Gordon and Dane Gordon. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the Urbana Yoke Parrish, with Rev. Chris Brock officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be 1-2 pm Tuesday at the church. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, Indiana.
The memorial guest book for Jim may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.