James "Jim" A. DeGroote

James "Jim" A. DeGroote, 78, of Evansville, made a peaceful transition into his heavenly home on Sunday, November 19, 2006, at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis, Indiana, with his daughter, a hospice nurse, at his bedside.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, during World War II, where he helped train military pilots.

He had a distinguished career in law enforcement serving the Evansville Police Department for 21 years, where he implemented and directed the Evansville Police-Community Relations Division. After retiring from the EPD in 1974, he was elected Sheriff of Vanderburgh County and served two terms. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Jim was also a life member of Indiana Sheriff's Association, serving as president in 1981.

Jim graduated from Bosse High School and was a member of the State Championship Basketball Team in 1945-1946. He attended the University of Evansville, playing basketball for the Evansville Aces and remained a dedicated sports enthusiast throughout his life. Jim was a referee for the Missouri Valley and Big Ten Conferences.

He, a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, worshiped the Lord at the Methodist Temple.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Martha Jean (Kavanaugh) DeGroote, of Evansville; daughter, Cathy Combs, of Indianapolis; son, David DeGroote and wife, Tami, of Bloomington, Ind.; daughter, Jami Richardson and husband, Mike, of Evansville; eight grandchildren, Tami Tooley, Ryan Combs, Adam Combs, Lauren Stewart, Catherine DeGroote, Zach Wellman, Leigh Richardson, and Megan Richardson; and four great-grandchildren, Shelbi Tooley, Noah Tooley, Charlie Tooley, and Brayden Stewart.

He was preceded into heaven by his daughter, Carole LeMond, and sisters, Jeanne DeGroote and Joan Norman.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2006, at the Methodist Temple, officiated by Reverend Kevin McKinney, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Graveside honors will be conducted by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department and the Fraternal Order of Police Honor Guard teams. Friends may visit Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel and Saturday from 10 a.m. to service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Temple, 2109 Lincoln Avenue. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.