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
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