James Dale DeGroot

James “Jimmy” Dale (Mike) DeGroot, 77, of Conway, Arkansas, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior—whom he served loyally his entire life—on Thursday, December 3, 2020.
Jimmy was born September 15, 1943, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Anthony and Margaret DeGroot. He was the sixth of eight siblings. He and his siblings shared many stories and memories of their childhood together. Jimmy graduated from Ottumwa High School and attended William Penn college. He was a distribution supervisor for Ottumwa Courier for 33 years. He retired to Arkansas in 2004.

He loved to travel, and over the course of his life visited 20 different countries. He was an avid sports fan who supported the Green Bay Packers and followed Iowa sports closely.

Jimmy had a kind and caring heart. He was active in his church and volunteered at a local food bank as an additional way to help others. He had his own unique sense of humor. He affectionately called us all “dingy”
—but always with a smile.
We will always remember him by repeating some of his favorite sayings, which we all call “Jimmy-isms”. One of his favorites was, "Is thaaat right?"

He cared deeply about others and would always ask not only about you, but about people that you knew.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Margaret DeGroot, brothers Marvin 'Jack' DeGroot, Glenn DeGroot, and Robert Degroot. He is survived by siblings Lois Smithart, Jerry 'Butch' DeGroot, Don 'Chick' DeGroot, and Linda Tapke, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. A special thank you to his great-niece Sarah Harlan, who provided loving care for him for the last months of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Lutheran Church Alms/Benevolence Fund, Conway Arkansas.

We all know that when Uncle Jimmy arrived in Heaven he said, “Is thaaat right?” and God answered, “Yes, Jimmy, that is right.”

A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Peace Lutheran Church 800 S. Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72034 with Pastor John Gerke officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

It was his wish to be cremated and be buried near his parents and siblings in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Vilonia Funeral Home is attempting to follow all COVID-19 Health Department guidelines. All attendees over the age of 10 must wear their own mask and maintain a social distance of 6 feet.

Arrangements for James “Jimmy” Dale (Mike) DeGroot are under the care and direction of Vilonia Funeral Home 1134 Main Street Vilonia, AR 72173. Sign the online Book of Memories at www.viloniafuneralhome.com