James William Bill Groves

James W. ?Bill? Groves, 81, of Poplar Bluff died Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Groves was born Jan. 4, 1930 in Sumter, S.C. He had been a dedicated member of the First Church of God since 1940, where he taught Sunday School, worked in and drove a bus for the bus ministry, helped with the youth and sang in the choir. Mr. Groves also served as a member and President of the Church Board, and was founder and charter member of ?Prime-Timers?, a senior?s group. He was a Boy Scout leader for several years, and served two terms on the Poplar Bluff City Council during the years 1952 thru 1955. Mr. Groves was a union painter and paperhanger by trade and owned his own business for many years. He later retired after 10 years as a painting instructor with Mingo Job Corps. Mr. Groves enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, coon hunting, fishing, and after his retirement he especially enjoyed woodcarving and trail riding with the ?cardiac cowboys?.

On Jan. 22, 1949, he married Vera Lee Armstrong in Piggott, Ark. She survives.

Other survivors include three sons, Jim Groves and wife Carla of Wappapello, Lee Groves and wife Donna, and Randy Groves and wife Faith all of Poplar Bluff; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Groves and wife Lee of Poplar Bluff; and many other relatives and friends.

His parents, William ?Bill? and Pearl (Smith) Groves, brothers, Walter Groves, Gene Groves and Bob Groves preceded Mr. Groves in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the First Church of God in Poplar Bluff with Rev. Richard Triplett officiating. Burial will be in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.