James Grover

James M. Grover, 86, passed away peacefully holding the hand of his wife on the evening of August 16, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the oldest son of Alton Dickey and Helen Marie (Ryan) Grover born September 8, 1934 in Glendale, CA. His carefree childhood included building forts, playing in the sandbox, and mischief with his brothers. He attended Cathedral High School where he played football and graduated in 1953.

Jim attended Loyola University followed by California State University, Los Angeles and received a BA in Social Studies. He served in the United States Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant from 1959–61 at Fort Ord in California and Olathe Naval Air Station in Kansas. Jim began his career in education at Superior Street School in Chatsworth, CA, where he met Jo Ann (Jan) Seberg. They were married two years later on August 28, 1965, in Granada Hills, CA.

Jim continued his studies earning an MA in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge in 1970. While working as a vice-principal Jim took night classes at USC towards a doctorate degree, but found it difficult to juggle graduate school, a full-time job, and a growing family. Fortunately, a flyer featuring a mountain with a “Y” on it came across his desk advertising an innovative summer Ed.D. program at BYU. Without any knowledge of BYU, Jim and Jan packed their young children in the car and moved to Provo, Utah, for three consecutive summers. Jim earned his Ed.D. in Public School Administration from BYU in 1977. The family’s experiences at BYU and with missionaries in California eventually led them to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1980. Jim worked as a beloved elementary school principal in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 18 years.

Jim was active in his local chapter of Toastmasters International and served as President of the San Fernando, CA chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Jim held many callings in the church including Elders Quorum President, Bishopric Counselor, and Co-coordinator of the part-time Service Missionaries in Southern Nevada with Jan, but his most beloved callings were that of husband, father, and home teacher.

Jim enjoyed hiking, camping, and spending time with his family. As an educator he took advantage of his free summers by taking his family on several extended vacations camping across the United States, Canada, many National Parks, and California beaches.

Jim was best known for his welcoming smile and love of service. Throughout his life he found great joy in helping others stay optimistic and recognized the importance of laughter over complaining. He was self-confident and complimentary of those around him. Jim would not let a day go by without expressing his love for the two most important things in his life, his beautiful wife, Jan, and his membership in

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He understood that those decisions were at the foundation of his happiness, and he was always willing to serve his family and church in anything they needed. The love of Christ was felt by all those who knew Jim; he was truly an embodiment of Christlike charity in all that he did. Simply said, Jim lived the two great commandments to near perfection: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Jim loved his family and was devoted to Jan throughout their 56 years together. He is survived by Jan and their children: Julie (Peter) Mortenson, Jeff (Maile) Grover; grandchildren: Michael (Courtney), Daniel (Hannah), Matthew, Ryan Mortenson, Ini, Leialoha, Kekoa, Kalia, Kaleo Grover; brothers: John, Tom, Walt.

He is also survived by three children from a previous marriage: Susie (Glenn) Neal, Michael (Linda) Grover, Bob (Shirin) Grover; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim was a beloved husband, father, and friend and will be missed by all those who knew him. His forever smile will live on in our hearts and on our faces. Nothing would make Jim happier than to know that he filled this world with more love and with more smiles.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (10550 Alta Dr.) in Las Vegas, NV. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV on Monday, August 30, 2021.

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Topic: Funeral for Jim Grover
Time: Aug 28, 2021 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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