June 17, 1932 – July 31, 2024
SOUTHERN SHORES — James (Jim) B. Groff, CAPT, CEC, USN (Ret) of Southern Shores, NC, died July 31, 2024. He was 92 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Groff Stern, George B. Groff and his wife of 36 years, Anna Marie Groff.
Captain Groff is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth Ann (Betts) Groff and four children from his marriage to Anne: Kathleen M. Groff, David J. Groff and wife Amy, Daniel E. Groff and wife Lisa, Nancy E. Fishenden and husband Jim and six grandchildren, Ansley, Ethan, Alyson, Abigail, James Fishenden, and Aidan Fishenden.
Captain Groff was born in Buffalo, NY. He attained a BS in Civil Engineering from Union College (Schenectady, NY) in 1954, and was commissioned an Ensign, Civil Engineer Corps, USNR, in November 1955.
In 1958, LT (jg) Groff married Anne. He augmented to regular navy, and obtained his Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan.
The family shared a number of duty stations, highlighted by the rebuilding of the Battalion Center at Gulfport, MS. Commander Groff was deployed to northern South Vietnam in 1969 to command a “Seabee” Maintenance Battalion supporting the Third Marine Division.
During a tour in the pentagon as head of the Navy’s environmental program Jim was promoted to Captain. He retired in 1979 after 24 years of service. His awards include the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Jim became the Executive Director of the National Association of Water Companies, a trade association representing the investor-owned water supply industry.
In 1997 Jim married Elizabeth Ann (Betts) Long. Betts has three children, Debra Gordon and husband Gary, James G. Long IV and wife Kathryn, and Susan Jones (deceased). As a blended family, Betts and Jim have twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Kira and Chris Geile – Lucy and Ben; Dana and Nate Saverino -Allie and Zoey; Anna and Uzoma Onwumere – Amara; Kate Long – Brian, Evan, Leah; Allyson Long; James Long V.
In 2002, Jim and Betts moved to Southern Shores, NC. A year later, Jim, with the help of dedicated Outer Banks citizens, businesses, and tennis organizations, began the OBX Charity Classic Tennis Tournament. The tournament grew each year and over the ten-year span while Jim was chair, raised $185,000 for Dare County Hospice.
Jim was an avid tennis player having learned from his parents at age 6. He and Betts enjoyed family, tennis, golf, bridge, biking and travel.
Jim and Betts were very involved in Duck Woods Country Club. Jim served on the Board, initiated construction of four pickleball courts, served on the Racquet Sports Committee for many years and provided guidance through several subcommittees and ad hoc organizations.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church, 301 W Kitty Hawk Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949. Capt. Groff will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Outer Banks Relief Foundation (OBRF) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Donate online for the OBRF at https:/OBRF.org selecting the Donate Now button. Please reference Jim Groff in the notes section. To give by check (made out to OBRF), please mail to 103 E. 8th Street, Nags Head, NC 27959, and reference Jim Groff in the memo. Donate online for DAV at https:/dav.org, selecting the Honorary and Memorial Gifts button. Please reference CAPT. James Groff in memory of honoree with notification to the family.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
