James (Jim) Needham Groom Jr. passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Jim was born on March 18, 1941, in Louisville, KY. He graduated from Borger High School and went on to earn a degree in Architecture from Texas A&M.
On Christmas Eve, 1966, Jim married Carol Cochran Groom, the love of his life. The following day, he was deployed by the Army to serve in Waldfischback-Bergenholden, West Germany. With Carol at his side, they explored Europe and built memories that would last a lifetime.
In 1969, Jim and Carol moved to Nahant, MA. where they started their family. Jim worked for The Architect’s Collaborative (TAC) in Cambridge, MA. In 1977 they moved to Warren, VT. Upon moving to Warren, Jim joined The Burley Partnership as a partner, and later established his own architectural practice, James Groom Associates.
Jim was always engaged with a hobby or interest. He enjoyed Chinese cooking and was the BBQ pit-master. He loved VW beetles, Pentax cameras, Mac computers, golf, fly-fishing, and birding to name a few.
Jim and Carol shared a love of travel and took many road trips together. They traveled through much of Europe, 49 of the U.S. states, and nine Canadian Provinces.
Jim loved his grandkids and always made it to every event possible. He loved to cheer for them in their various sports, be it baseball, soccer, lacrosse, alpine skiing, cross-country or softball. No matter the weather, Poppa and Grandma were always there with a cheer and a hug.
Jim is survived by his sister Sally Groom of Fort Worth. TX, his brother Charles (Jackie) Groom of San Antonio, TX, and his two sons Aaron (Tara) Groom of Ghent, NY, and Matt (Zoe) Groom of Warren, VT. He was so proud of his four grandchildren Ian and Luke Groom, and Evan and Skylar Groom. He also leaves behind his nephew Kevin (Steven) Harvey and grandnephews Preston and Seth of Fort Worth, TX, and niece Rebecca (Scott) Ramsey and grandnephew Braden of Austin, TX. He is pre-deceased by his wife Carol Cochran Groom.
Jim Groom was sensitive and kind. His strength of character and commitment to those he loved was extra-ordinary. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Onward, to the open road, Dad, with love and laughter… and a full tank of gas. Godspeed. You will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at Warren United Church on Saturday, February 21, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association.
