James "Jim" Overall Groce
September 23, 1940 ~ January 19, 2026
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailJames “Jim” Overall Groce, 85, of Asheville, NC, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, at Mission Hospital.
Jim was born in Asheville, the son of Thomas A. Groce, Jr. and Marguerite Groce (Overall).
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sheryl Moore Groce, and daughter, Karen Elizabeth Groce Field and her husband, Erik John Field, of Asheville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas A. Groce, III, of Asheville.
An alumnus of Lee Edwards High School, in Asheville, Jim went on to graduate with honors from North Carolina State University in 1962. He completed an executive training program with Sears, Roebuck and Company, in Raleigh, NC, and subsequently moved back to Asheville to manage and take over Citizen’s Hardware and Supply Company, Inc., the family business started in 1941 by his father. Jim owned and managed Citizens Home Center in Asheville for over 25 years until selling in 1994. He then went on to become a Commercial Real Estate Broker at Pulliam Properties for over 30 years, retiring at age 80.
Jim was always impassioned by and civically active in his beloved local community. At the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, he served 2 terms on the Board of Directors as well as on the Executive Committee and as Vice Chair of Small Business Development. Jim helped form and chair the first Small Business Council. At the United Way of Asheville, Jim served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. He also served as President of the Better Business Bureau and on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Asheville.
Jim still found time for his love of travel, visiting many countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. But his first love and devotion were to his family, to whom he was everything. Jim had a strong desire and purpose to lift people up and to teach and encourage them to be their best. He was most proud of the times when he could make a difference in people’s lives.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 14 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian location in Arden and will be streamed live via the link just below he obituary text, beginning at 1:50 PM on Saturday afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Haywood Street Congregation at 297 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801; or Meals on Wheels, 146 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801.
Services
Celebration of Life: February 14, 2026 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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Such a charm of a human being and someone who made a huge impact on me and my siblings. A true Asheville stalwart.
I worked for Mr Groce at his hardware store while I was going to college. He was always so good to me. I am sorry for your loss.
To the Family of Mr. Groce,
Where do I start?? I worked at Citizens for years, and learned a lot while working there. I admired him so much. What I know and remember the most is that he meant business, and he was all about his business. He probably wondered why he hired all of us kids and college students, because I know there were times when we drove him crazy! We had a lot of fun times working at the store and there was a lot of love. We were one big family. We knew when we could joke around and when we couldn’t. He was very concern about each of us getting our education. He made sure we were not scheduled to work when we had class. What was ironic about the day he passed, it was on MLK Day. When MLK Day was established as a holiday, he thought enough about me to ask if I wanted off to observe the holiday. I felt and knew that he believed in the DREAM too. I will always cherish the quality time he chose to spend with me. May the memories of him bring please to your hearts. Rest easy Mr. Groce.🌹
Sherry my heart goes out to you and your family at your loss of Jim. The first time Ronnie and I went into the store Ron and Jim did a crazy handshake. They were apparently both in the same fraternity and that was the fraternity shake. What a kind and thoughtful friend Jim became! Many good memories.
Maralee Gollberg
So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a true gentleman, an astute businessman, and an involved community leader. His entrepreneurial philosophy was that a company should give back to the community, which he promoted through his many volunteer involvements. It was an honor to have known him when our paths crossed over the years in the Asheville community. My condolences to Sherry and the family during this difficult time.
My sincere sympathy to Sherry and family!
Fondly
Annette Coleman
Sheri, my condolences to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing.
Arnold
Jim was a highly admirable and genuinely likeable person. It is saddening to learn of his passing.
Sherry and Karen,
So sorry to hear about Jim. My heart is with you during this difficult time. Jim was one of my very favorite people. For over 40 years we met on a regular basis. We talked about life, family, community, and business. His love of family was always strong and at the top of his mind. He was a genuinely good person.
Sherri and family,
Both Julie and I are so saddened at the passing of Jim.
We keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Stay strong and always remember the most beautiful memories will stay with you all forever.
My heart felt condolences go to Sherrie and the family. May you find peace in the memories of the love and time you shared together.
I am so sorry for your loss my love and prayers are with you. Kim
Through Grace of God much water has flowed throughout our friendship, Sherry. You and your daughter have always been shining lights in Jim\’s life. Jim’s life of service is one that has earned him great esteem. His humility further enhanced him as a role model. Much love to you and the family as Jim joins the communion of saints. Ken Richards