James Irvin Groneck

James Irvin Groneck, 85, died November 26, 2023, in Toledo Hospital surrounded by family. Jim was born February 18, 1938, to Edward and Catherine Fenbers Groneck in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Covington, Kentucky. He attended Corpus Christi grade school and Newport Catholic High School in Northern Kentucky. Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956. He served active duty 1956-58 at Camp Pendleton and Reserve Duty 1958-60. His base headquarters job was assigning weapons and rifles from the armory. He kept everything spit shined and remembers his rifle number 4312076 and dog tag number 1616299. He was also privileged to serve as an Honor Guard Marine. At six foot six he was very impressive standing in his dress blues at many funerals and ceremonies. He continued that posture and neat dress throughout his life. He now proudly watches over grandsons, Lt. Christopher Harris, Naval Aviator, VP 46, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and Master Sergeant Joel Figmaka, formerly US Marine Corps and Currently United States Air Force 180th Fighter Wing Swanton, Ohio. In 1960 Jim married Jeanette Salzer from Dayton, Kentucky and together they raised three amazing sons; Jeffrey, Michael and Gary. Jim started working at age six. He and his brother, Frank took their red wagon and collected newspapers, metal and anything they could sell at the junk yard. At ten he started his next big job as a caddy at Highland Country Club located in Ft. Thomas Kentucky. Of course, transportation was thumbing a ride. In 1973, Jim began his career in the commercial office furniture, design and service business. Jim invented many panel recovering, refurbishing and electro static painting methods used in the industry. He specialized in service and operations for Wright Patterson Air Force Base and many corporate headquarters, hospitals and universities in Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Ohio and Evansville, Indiana. He was part owner and Vice President/Operations of APG Office Pavilion Cincinnati from 1973-1992. Jim was recognized as the "Outstanding Businessman" with the "Kentucky Colonel Award" by the Governor at the annual Kentucky Derby. Jim was Owner/President of Groneck Enterprise, Office Pavilion, Toledo, Ohio Warehouse District from 1992-1996. A commercial design, sales and service company representing many furniture lines, including Herman Miller Furniture. In 1995 he moved to Tucson, Arizona to become Vice President, General Manager for Goodman's Office Interiors, a Herman Miller Dealer headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Jim loved his work. He was a tough, but fair leader. He only expected others to work as hard as he did. The Marine training never left him. Jim retired in 2000 at the age of 59 for health reasons, but he never gave up! His hobbies included deep sea fishing with his sons and buddies and playing golf at Saddlebrooke Resort in the mountains north of Tucson, Arizona with Wayne Thompson and friends. Jim's only hole in one was at Saddlebrooke hole three. He enjoyed glassblowing with Ralph at Gallery B in the Toledo Warehouse District, and spending time with family and friends. Jim was a huge sports fan and for many years a season ticket holder of the Cincinnati Bengals. He is probably still holding the TV clicker. Jim and his wife Karen lived in Mason, Ohio, Tucson, Arizona, Ormond Beach, Florida, Union, Kentucky and Holland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his sisters Alma Hamlin (Herb) and Marlene Burdett (Bill), brother Frank Groneck and brother-in-law Jim Gabriel. He is survived by his brothers Steve (Elaine) and Ed (Sherry), sister Eleanor Gabriel and sister-in-law Sue Groneck. He is also survived by his loving wife Karen Robinson Kuhlman Groneck of 34 years; sons, Jeffrey (Dawn) ; Michael (Mary Beth); Gary (Sharon); stepson, Jeffrey Scott Kuhlman (Karey) and stepdaughter, Stephanie Kuhlman (husband Doug Howard); grandchildren, Tyler Groneck (fiancé Kate Chaudoin), Jamee Groneck, Nicole Groneck Jackson (Nolan), Brendan Groneck (Morgan), Carlie Groneck Norris (Jordan), David Groneck (fiancé Brittany Black), Kate Kuhlman, Kayla Kuhlman Van Zyl (Oos), Lauren Figmaka Napier (Stephen), Joel Figmaka (Erin), Christopher Harris (Emily), and Madelyn Harris, as well as ten great grandchildren Simon Groneck, Evie Norris, Lilly Black, Seeley, Lana and Jovie Napier, Thea, Wren and Nora Figmaka and Lily Van Zyl. Jim will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jim and Karen's neighbors David and Renee Phillips and Jeff and Julie Burghardt for their friendship and caretaking over the many months of Jim's illnesses. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Folds of Honor American Interiors Chapter, 302 S. Byrne Rd. #100, Toledo, Ohio 43615. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to families of America's fallen or disabled military and first responders. folds@aminteriors.com A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m., with an hour of visitation beginning at 12:00 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 4225 W Sylvania Ave. Toledo, OH 43623. A coffee and cookie reception will follow at the church. Please view Jim's memorial video tribute and leave a condolence message at CoyleFuneralHome.com Cemetery/Military Service: Monday, December 11 - Military Service will start promptly at 1pm and end by 1:30 1. Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North - 205 Eibeck Ln, Williamstown, KY 41097 https://maps.app.goo.gl/U4Fcpv2QhCsZDTvR8 2. Celebration of Life at 2:30- 6:00pm: Pride Park Community Center - 5225 Taylor Mill Rd Taylor Mill, Kentucky 41015 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3F1c2hJrwCGNUa6j7

Tributes

James Irvin Groneck

February 18, 1938 - November 26, 2023