Obituary of James M. Groome

James M. Groome, Jr. of Saddle River, NJ formerly of Ridgewood died Thursday, June 26. He was 67 years old. Mr. Groome was born June 11, 1941 in New York City, son of the late James M. Groome and Laverne Danielson Groome. He graduated from the former Rhodes School in Manhattan and received a B.S. from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN in 1965. He was the founder, 40 years ago, and CEO of The Groome Companies in Waldwick, NJ. Mr. Groome was a licensed pilot, an avid photographer, Yankee fan, New York City Ballet supporter and a devoted father who took great pleasure in talking about his years as class parent at Willard School, the first father to man the post. He was actively involved with the Bergen chapter of the American Red Cross, chairing and serving on the committee of the annual Jazz Festival since the second year of its inception twenty three years ago. Mr. Groome is survived by his wife of 25 years and 1 day, Christine (nee Keiser) Groome, his daughters, Kathryn F. Groome and Meghan P. Groome and her husband Peter D. Sharp, stepson, Joshua P. Hankes and his wife Lisa Donnelly Hankes, stepdaughter, Amanda C. Hankes and her husband Damion K. L. Stodola, one grandchild, Santino Patrick Hankes, and sisters, Dr. Barbara Gordon and Susan York. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 30 from 3 pm - 5 pm at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. In lieu of flowers donations to American Red Cross, Bergen Chapter, 74 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 would be appreciated. Arrangements were by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ. Further information may be had at their website, www.vpfh.com