James William (JW) Grogan, age 85, finally was reunited in Heaven with the love of his life Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from his home in Dogwood.  Born during the Great Depression on November 15, 1936, at Dorena, MO, to the late Edward Simon "Bob" Grogan and Lola Margaret "Sis' Brown Grogan, JW had an appreciation for everything in life.  There was never a thing he thought should be pitched because he knew he might need it again someday.  If you needed anything, you could probably find it at Pa's.   He knew the meaning of a hard day's work from a young age by working in the timber business with his dad and brothers.  He went on to plumbing with father-in-law, "Red" Nall, to working away on the boat.  He finally began Grogan Construction, and the craftsmanship of his work can be seen everywhere across Mississippi County.

JW was a diehard fisherman and hunter.  Of course, that also made for some great stories (maybe sometimes exaggerated) about the adventures he would have.   He was always ready for a fishing trip though, so much so that the family gave up campers and bought a place outside Murray at Center Ridge in the early 70s on Kentucky Lake.  Upon retiring, JW and Shirley moved there full-time before finally coming back and building in Dogwood.

He also found such joy in his annual vegetable garden.   Sharing what he had grown and canning some crazy concoction for those he loved was how he spent a many of hours.  JW just had the heart and soul of such a great and Godly man.   He loved others and never met a stranger.  JW was a fixture in the First Baptist Church of East Prairie where he served as a Deacon and was active in the choir.

Waiting to meet up with JW again someday are daughters and son-in-laws, Cindy and Tim Williams and DeeDee and Mark Douglas;   grandsons and families, Chadd and Heather (Dalton, Britton and Madison, Haiden and Darren) Thomas, Price and Kathryn (Kason and Emmie) Heppe, Jon and Bailee (Brecken) Dumbacher, Mason Douglas and Anna Garnett, Davon Douglas and Lily Haberlock; granddaughter, Miste and Clay (Sam and Ella) Hahs;  only great-great grandson, Grae Thomas; and bonus family, Katrina Aten (Zariah and Amia Jones) as well as too numerous to name family, friends, and church family.   Can't forget his good friend Who-Dat ("that big ole ugly dog from next door").

Also surviving is his brother, Randy Grogan of rural Sikeston; his sisters, Joyce Ann Ellis of Birch Tree; Nellie Oliver of Charleston; Brenda Oatsvall and Shirley Sue Brown both of East Prairie and Edna Bass of Poplar Bluff; also, a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and so many friends, he was welcomed into Heaven by his precious wife of sixty years, Shirley Grogan; daughter, Debbie Grogan Dumbacher; grandson, Jami Grogan; and his brothers, Tommy Gene Grogan and Jerry Don Grogan.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family at the First Baptist Church in East Prairie at 9:00 am on Friday morning, April 15, 2022, followed by a celebration of JW's life at 10:00 am.  Contributions in memory of JW may be directed to the First Baptist Church of East Prairie Foster Closet or food pantry.  Today we celebrate and rejoice in knowing that he is forever at home.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.