James "Jim" Groat's Obituary
Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, (Retired) James (Jim) D. Groat, Jr., was born on November 29, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was surrounded by his daughters when he went to be with the Lord on September 15, 2015. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kimiko Uchihashi Groat. After traveling the world during his 24-year military career, they eventually retired in Bartlett, TN. He served in the Vietnam and Korean wars, and received multiple commendations including the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He was passionate about education, history, the Philadelphia Phillies and his genealogy, researching and compiling a written history going back hundreds of years. He is survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law (Linda and Louie Sheppard of Germantown, TN, Faith and Mike Stafford of Arlington, TN, Barbara Groat of Collierville, TN, and Kimberly and Kaj Olsen of Alexandria, VA), five grandchildren who were his pride and joy (Eric and Max Sheppard, Kylie Stafford, and Stefan and Erik Olsen), as well as treasured relatives including Arlene and Bill Zeuner of Warner Robins, Georgia. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 9:30-10:30am with a memorial service at 10:30am, followed by a graveside service. All services will be held at Memorial Park.
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