From: Bakerview Community Crematorium & Celebration Centre Staff

Bakerview Community Crematorium & Celebration Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Torrie Groening

Sending love to all the family.

Even in a family of strong personalities with diverse interests, Uncle Jim was for me, delightfully unique.
Thanks, Uncle Jim for inspiring this artist with your passion for life and the courage and determination to live it on your own terms.
Heaven just got a whole lot more interesting!

From: John Groening

I’ll never regret giving Jim a surprise hug the last time we met. Of course… like brothers everywhere … the hug transformed quickly into a hand shaking strength competition… Jim had enough strength to make it to 100 so we’re all very surprised and sad to see his time cut short. Our thoughts are with Bev and family.

From: Brian Debby and Cheryl skipper

Would like to give our deepest sympathy. He will truly be missed. He was a really nice man who always took the time to say hi. From Brian Debby and Cheryl skipper. Rest in peace Jim.

From: Loraine Adele MacKenzie (Groening)

Dad – I always called you Dar. I just can’t believe you’re gone.

I know you weren’t too pleased when I used to help clean up your shop. I was just a few years old and I thought it would be a good idea to line up all of your tools in the stream to wash them!

I was so proud of you that I’d stand in your work boots, trying to fill your shoes. I’d wait up for you to come home from your mill job and we’d have snacks together when I was barely old enough to say “want tomato!” and merely pointed into the fridge. I was only about 4 years old and fascinated by your hankies and one day decided to put my own version in your pocket – which unfortunately was a pair of panties! That must have been embarrassing at work!

By the time I was 5 years old, you taught me to weld. Then in my teens, we’d race down the steep driveway on skateboards. I could never achieve your one arm push-ups off the coffee table, nor could I outrun you, but I never stopped trying; you were an inspiration.

I always admired your strength, courage and determination – mentally and physically – and all of your inventions – especially the hydraulic bucket on the old tractor – which I learned to drive at 5!

You will always be my Dad and I miss you.

From: Ken & Annette Bowerman

We were Jim’s customers for 30 years. He always had a smile on his face and a deal in the works.We will miis him.Our hearts go out to the family.

From: Harold Doerksen

My memories go back to the 1940s,50s and 60s when the Groenings lived on Cheery Street in what was then known as Mission City. Jim was accomplished and talented at everything he chose to do including boxing and auto mechanics. A very kind hearted soul and good friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Groening family as they remember with fondness his meaningful influence for good in their lives.

From: Alfred Dutra

Condolence tot he Groening Family. Was shocked, as I last spoke to Jim
at Mcdonalds Mission on day that snowed. He came in and sat at my
table as if he was sent by someone. Was just getting to know him, his
first wife was my neighbor Linda Ayling. He chummed with another friend,
Vince Archibald, and also was a friend of Hank Pankratz whom I bought
the business Foto Stop from. He invited me to see his shop in Mission
that is for sale, and I was impressed. He also invited me to see his
place in Matsqu, which I was looking forward to doing so, I was shocked
when I read this in the paper. I was hoping to be a better friend.
He shared many stories. I certainly thought his health was under
control as he told me about a book he was reading in which foods
were best for the heart. When he told me about his blood presssure
readings over 200-125, I thought he was joking. And never heard of
readings this high. He assured me he had his own blood pressure
monitor and that the he had a low pulse of about 60 which was a
good sign. At the time I jokingly said that his heart readings were
fluttering as fast as a humming bird to cheer him up. But now feel
bad for having said this. He was looking forward to moving to
S. California, after the property was sold. I also know Tim Nuefeld.
When the conversation ended he said he had to fix his tire machine,
and I told hiim I had to go back to plowing snow.
Didnt realize, this was the last time, I would see him.

From: Dennis W. Clark

I knew Jim, Linda, Glen and Loraine for many years. Jim was a man of great integrity and strong convictions. I admired him greatly and certainly was surprised and saddened to hear of his passing!

In recent years we re-established our friendship and enjoyed many pleasant and interesting conversations-Jim was very innovative and freely shared his thoughts on technical innovations.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and especially to Loraine who was loved very much by her “Dar”.

From: Darlene Yvonne Nisbet

Well, since I was told by my best friend, James’s daughter, Loraine, a ton of memories have taken over. They are all I have thought about. I have so many. Loraine and I have been close friends since grade 5, and James and Linda’s home was my second home, and they were my second family. I called them Ma and Pa (Dar). James was a wonderful man, and welcomed me with open arms, as he did so many. We had many many fun times. So many, that I could never count them 🙂 I have never forgotten him, and never will. Loraine and Glen, he is now the angel watching over you. My condolences to Bev and her family. All my love to Loraine, Glen and Linda (Ma) He is gone but never forgotten <3 RIP James xo