James Douglas Groesbeck, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away surrounded by his family on the 26th day of July, 2012. "Sunny Jim" was born in El Paso, Texas, and was a descendant of an early Republic of Texas pioneer family. Jim was commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He faithfully served our country for twenty-two years where he rose to the rank of Commander. He participated in the Invasion of Sicily and the Invasion of Southern France, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and several campaign medals for his service. Jim retired in 1964 to pursue his doctorate in Economics at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin. He taught economics as an associate professor at Huston-Tillotson University from 1968 through 1992, and was a faithful member of the Northwest Austin Kiwanis Club for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Douglas, and his son John David. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Billie Jeanne Groesbeck, and their four children: daughters Kate Groesbeck Mathis, Jeanne Phillips and husband Bob, Linda Hoffpauir and husband Mike, and son James Douglas Groesbeck, Jr. and wife Stephanie, along with 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of Texas NeuroRehab Center for the wonderful care and compassion they showed Jim, along with the staff and his many friends at the Heritage at Gaines Ranch, and the Pavilion at Great Hills. Special thanks to doctors John Dieck and David Morledge who also showed great compassion and loving care to Jim for many years.

The family will be receiving visitors Wednesday evening, August 1, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Services will be held on Thursday, August 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard, followed by a graveside ceremony at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Memorial donations may be made in Jim's honor to the Alzheimer's Association or the Kiwanis Club of Northwest Austin.