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Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home & 9-10 a.m. on Thursday at the church
Funeral Ceremony: 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Flora First Church of God
Interment: Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery
Jimmie “Jim” Oren Grove, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 26, 2024, at his home.
He was born on June 23, 1939, in Wayne County, the son of Charles Edgar and Esther (Hadley) Grove. He was united in marriage to Linda (King) Behnke on May 21, 1988, in Flora, and together they have shared 36 wedding anniversaries.
Jim was a 1957 graduate of Flora High School and went on to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving for 6 years from 1962-1968. He spent much of his work life in retail management and retired in 2001 from Southwire Co. in Flora. Jim enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and volunteering.
He was a member of Flora First Church of God for many years, filling many positions in the church. He had always enjoyed singing and sang in several gospel quartets and trios over the years.
Jim is survived by his wife: Linda Grove of Flora; 2 sons from a former marriage: Troy Grove of Wayne County and Tyler (Deb) Grove of Flora; a step-son: Charles (Tonya) Behnke of Flora; 3 brothers-in-law: Carrol Simpson of Michigan, Richard (Leda) King of Tacoma, Washington, and Virgil (Betty) King of West Salem; 11 grandchildren: Krystal (Nate) Blanchette, Corrinna (Chris) Caudle, Dylan (Jennah) Grove, Miranda Grove, Lucas (Amy) Behnke, Nicholas Sturm, Grant Behnke, Anthony Sturm, Jencie Behnke, Paige Behnke, and Allison Sturm; 10 great-grandchildren: Harrison, Oren, Daxton, Sutton, Leighton, Bennett, Ellie, Everley, Kamryn, and Kayson; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepdaughter: Christina; granddaughter: Randi; great-grandson: Kamden; 3 brothers: Charles, Leon “Bud”, and Truman; and 2 sisters: Kathryn and Barbara.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Flora First Church of God. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery in Flora with the presentation of military funeral honors. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora and from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora First Church of God or to any charity of the donor’s choice, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Dear Linda and boys, My deepest sympathy to you all at the passing of your loved one. Jim was a good man. As a teenager working at Cousin Fred's he was my boss and one of the best I ever worked for. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My heart hurts for you Linda💔 I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good man and y’all were so happy together. I knew from our last visit that you were worried Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. We are back in Texas and I’m sorry we can’t be at his service. RIP Jim❣️
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a good friend & we will miss him greatly.
So sorry for your loss Linda, Tyler and Troy, you are all in my prayers
Condolences to all the family and friends
I'm so sorry for your loss, Linda, I know how much Jim meant to all of us. I offer my most sincere condolences and pray for your family in their time of loss. I completely understand the loss of a spouse!
I pastored First Church of God a number of years ago and it was my pleasure to know Jim Grove and his family. I could count on Jim leading the worship service, singing in a trio or quartet on Sunday mornings or nightly when we had special services; all without fail! When I have thought of Jim over the years, I think of one that was kind and gentle and who wanted to do his part for the Lord, his family, and the church.
He was a Good Uncle to me. Rest In Peace Uncle Jim
Linda, so sorry to hear about Jim passing. I know you will miss your traveling buddy!
So sorry for your loss Linda, prayers for comfort for you and your family…
Linda and family I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a good guy..
My condolences to the family 🙏
My feelings of sorrow are going out to Linda for the loss of her loving adoring husband who was always by her side for 36 years. Also sorry to the children and grandchildren left to mourn his passing.
Jim was a special cousin. Prayers for Linda and family.
Sorry for your loss; heartfelt condolences and sympathy to you and the family. May you feel God’s comfort now and in the days ahead.
We are so veryvsorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at Eaton Auto Parts. He was a great guy. Hugs to you Linda and Charles.
We saw you passing fast away, but we could not make you stay, For God has called you, and that is the flesh and blood way... My sympathy to your family, as a Minister of the Gospel since I was 19 years old, I can say, "Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord, for they do rest from their labors." You were a kind and gracious class-mate to me, and I appreciate you so much. Hold the door open for us, for some of us will follow you soon. It will be so gracious to see you again, Love to you, and to your family as we mourn your passing, and rejoice for your graduation!
So sorry Linda. Big hugs for all.
Prayers for all of Jim’s family he was a great man to work with. Kent Jones
Linda and family, we are sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. You were such a nice friendly couple. Our sympathy to you and your families. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Grew up with Jim in same neighborhood—- he was such a nice guy! 🙏
Jim was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Thinking of you all, keeping you in prayer, The Childers and Dehart families
Prayers to your family
We were sorry to hear about Jim. He was a wonderful guy, and a good Christian man. It was an honor to know him. You are in our prayers. God bless you.
You have our deepest sympathy for the passing of Jim!!! He has always been a special person in my life!!!
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.
Linda and family...So sorry for your loss of Jim. He was a devout and faithful Christian, husband and ,father. Our sincere sympathy.
Linda, Tyler & Troy , I am so sorry to hear about uncle Jim. Glad that we had reconnected after so many years had passed. I will be thinking of all of you.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]