
James "Jim" W. Grogan
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James W. “Jim” Grogan, 91, of Ottawa, KS passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Overland Park, KS. He was born February 18, 1931 in Jacksonville, AL the son of James C. Grogan and Minnie L. (White) Grogan. He graduated from Clay Center High School, Clay Center, KS. Jim graduated from Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education.
Jim was a multi sport athlete at Clay Center High School before moving on to Ottawa University where he played football and basketball before joining the Air Force.
He served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in October of 1954 after rising to the rank of Sergeant. He returned to Ottawa University where he continued playing football and graduated in 1957.
Jim was united in marriage to Doris J. Anderson on June 1, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Lindsborg, KS. They shared over seventy years of marriage.
Jim owned and operated Grogan’s Standard Service Station on the corner of 4th and Main Streets in Ottawa, KS for fifteen years. He taught Physical Education, Health, Math and History at Ottawa Jr.High School and Ottawa High School, Ottawa, KS for many years before retiring in 1993. He was an Athletic Coach, coaching at Ottawa Jr. High in all sports and as an assistant coach in football at Ottawa University. He mentored many of his players over the years.
He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Ottawa, KS. He served on many committees and chaired most of them. He also sang in the choir. Jim was involved in the community of Ottawa and was on a number of local government committees and also chaired many of them.
He enjoyed gardening, mowing and clearing snow for neighbors, and holding court at coffee with friends at Kramer’s Pharmacy every afternoon. He played church league softball into his seventies. Jim received many awards including being inducted into the Ottawa University Sports Hall of Fame.
Mr. Grogan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Minnie Grogan.
Surviving family includes his wife, Doris Grogan of Ottawa, KS; two sons, Steve J. Grogan and his wife, Robbi of Belton, MO and Scott A. Grogan of Omaha, NE; a brother, Donald E. Grogan and his wife, Mary Lou of Holton, KS; two sisters, Joan Fry and her husband, John of Lee’s Summit, MO and Janet Bissitt and her husband, Duane of Holton, KS; six grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, Tate and his wife, Kristina, Patrick, Parker and Paige; and two great-grandchildren, Ashton and Adalynn.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Ottawa or Ottawa University and sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the Grogan Family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
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