James H. Groszek

He was born in a 2-story white house at Park and Mahaffie on March 17, 1930, the eldest son of Joseph J. and Ruby Locke Groszek. His childhood home at 219 N. Willie, Olathe, was home base for his many adventures – fishing at Waterworks Lake, swimming at old Olathe Lake (now Cedar Lake) and rummaging through the dump looking for things to sell to get ‘going to the movies’ money.

He attended Central School and graduated from John P. St. John (later Olathe North) high school in 1948. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1947 and graduated from Fort Scott Community College.

After two years on active duty in California, he returned to Olathe with his new bride, Peggy. He went to work with his Dad, fell in love with carpentry and made a more than 60 year long career of cabinetmaking. His Marine Corps career lasted 21 years and he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1967.

Jim was predeceased by his grandparents Thomas and Annie Mounce Locke and Frank and Tekla Noga Groszek, his parents Joseph J. and Ruby Locke Groszek, wife Peggy Workman Groszek and brothers Frank L. and Joseph E. Groszek. He is survived by his brother Robert Groszek, daughters Susan Groszek Wolfe and husband, Evan, Patti Groszek Wilbur and husband, Larry; his grandchildren Jim Laney, Jamie Zipperlen Mowrey and J.J. Zipperlen jr.; great grandchildren Ashlyn Laney, Harrison Laney, Beckham and Brooklyn Mowrey and Luka Zipperlen; and great, great grandson D.J. Mosher.

Jim will be buried at Oak Lawn Memorial cemetary, Olathe, alongside his wife Peggy. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13 at 2 pm.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Olathe High School alumni association. The family requests no flowers please