James Millard Grogan

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Grogan, James Millard age 93, of Edina and Minne-tonka, beloved dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, husband and friend passed away peacefully - of a life well lived - on Jan. 20, 2016, surrounded by his family and the love and respect of his many friends in this community and around the country. Survived by his 5 children: John Grogan, Maureen Warner (fmr. son-in-law, Ted Warner), Sheila Grogan (Valerie DuVernet), Jimmy Grogan, and Mike Grogan (Lauri). Proud and devoted Grandpa to Teddy (Lauren) Warner, Molly Warner, Emily Warner, Conor (Deirdre) Loughridge, Meghan Loughridge, Atley Loughridge, Gavin Loughridge and Katie Grogan. Blessed Great Grandpa to Sloane and Gwenyth Warner and Noah and Blaise Loughridge. Also survived by former wife, Kathleen Gill Bush. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents John and Margaret Grogan, cherished brothers, Jack and Tom, wife Elaine Westhoff Grogan, and loving companion in recent years, Marie Moore. As a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps during World War II, he honed his flying skills over the South Pacific. He eventually returned home to become the Corporate Pilot for Northern Ordinance, Groves Construction, then flew as a Captain for TWA, before joining Pillsbury in 1954. For the next 20 years he rode the left seat as the Chief Pilot for Pillsbury, touching down on all ends of the world, creating a lifetime of incredible experiences and extraordinary stories. Next to being on the golf course, he was happiest in the sky. The city could see him tipping his wings as he flew over his home in Edina signaling he was heading out, or much to the delight of his family, returning home. Always one to find a teaching momentsome of his happiest memories were sitting with his kids on the garage roof explaining the turbulent sky above as a squall line or tornado would pass overhead. In between trips, he found time to run the Press Box in the early years of the MN Vikings at Met Stadium, a team to which he remained loyal throughout his life. Once his remarkable aviation career ended, he quickly refocused his energy, becoming a successful businessman and running several companies throughout the country, most notably National Temperature Control, Lonestar Industries and Pearl Baths. His work ethic was unsurpassed. His instincts were excellent and though he kept a keen eye on his goals, he never lost sight of the people that he was surrounded by in achieving those goals. Jim was an accomplished self-taught piano player and drummer, and found great joy in Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett classics and especially soft jazz in his final days. He was an avid sportsman, accomplished golfer and tennis player, and a fierce competitor especially when partnered with his granddaughter in many fundraising events for the University of MN. He was still golfing into his 90's, though he reluctantly agreed to let others tee his ball up. He was fortunate to play many courses around the world, but nothing compared with his home turf favorites- Interlachen Country Club, Edina Country Club and Olympic Hills. He spent countless hours on the handball courts at the Minneapolis Athletic Club and hoisted many trophies over the years. Jim was born and raised in Minneapolis and attended Central High School, where he played football, tennis, and golf. His family would like to profoundly thank the wonderful care by The Glenn in Minne-tonka, with a special thanks to Paul, Julie, Eric and Cheri, the entire Glenn staff and Interim Hospice Care in his final days. They were angelsfor him and our entire family. Mass of Christian Burial Friday February 12, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Patrick 6820 St. Patrick's Lane Edina. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation one hour prior to Mass at church only. Memorials preferred to St. Joseph Home for Children, The Animal Humane Society, or donor's choice. "Up, Up, Up the long delirious burning blue, I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, where never lark, or even eagle, flew; and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God." GILLBROTHERS.com MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088

Published on January 24, 2016