James G. Groerich

The Rev. James G. Groerich, age 86, of Denver, Colorado, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 15th. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pauline (Behrmann), his son Jonathan (Debbie) Groerich of Morrison, daughter Rebecca (Doug) Koopman of York, Nebraska, and daughter Stephanie (Stan) Meyer of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also survived by grandchildren Dana (Rob), Josh (Tammie), Abbie (Mark), Leah (Alex), Cammie, Micah, Ben, Jacob and great-grandchildren Bailey, Reese, Joclyn, Macee, Kaden, Lincoln, Mylee and Lillian.

James is also survived by his brother Paul, sister Ruth and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by twin brother Jack and sister Margaret.

Visitation will be held Monday evening, Dec. 20, at Wheatridge Lutheran Church from 5:00 to 8:00 with family present. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, Dec. 21st, 9:30, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4225 W Yale Ave., Rev. James Knapp officiating. Burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery immediately following the services.

James was born to Gerhard and Katherine (Pries) Groerich in Paducah, Kentucky on November 14th, 1924. He and his twin brother, John (Jack) entered the army in 1943. They served in the European Theatre of operations where Jack was killed and Jim was wounded. They were awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and Purple Hearts.

Following his discharge from the Army, James attended St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from the Seminary in 1951. In 1976, he received his Master of Divinity Degree from the same school. He faithfully served as Pastor to members at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Delta, Colorado, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Paonia, Colorado, Trinity Lutheran Church, Denver and Wheatridge Lutheran Church.

James was an avid golfer, tennis player, Toastmaster, jokester, fisherman, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. There is no more pain for him, only rejoicing as he now lives with his loving Heavenly Father.

Memorials may be sent to The Colorado Lutheran High School Association, Wheatridge Lutheran Church or Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO.