04/01/2026
Rev. James Irvin Groome III
The Reverend James “Jim” Irvin Groome III, 73, of High Point, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Hospice Home of High Point.
He was born November 2, 1952, in High Point, to the late James Irvin Groome, Jr., and the late Mildred Marsh Groome.
Born and raised in High Point, Jim was a proud member of his community throughout his life. He attended Wingate University and High Point College and went on to build a successful career as a salesman in the kitchen cabinet industry, where he was known for his strong work ethic and ability to connect with others.
In 2010, Jim answered a deeper calling to ministry. He pursued his pastoral education at Local Pastors school in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, and furthered his studies through Duke Divinity School’s five-year summer Course of Study program, which he completed in 2016. Jim faithfully served as a United Methodist pastor across several congregations in the Western North Carolina Conference, including Mount Shepherd United Methodist Church (2010–2012), West Chapel United Methodist Church (2012–2013), Trinity United Methodist Church in Lexington (2013–2015), Matton’s Grove United Methodist Church and Richfield United Methodist Church (2015–2017), Shiloh United Methodist Church in Liberty (2017–2021), Bethel United Methodist Church in Climax (2018–2021). In 2018 Jim received specialized training as an Interim Minister through the Intentional Growth Center at Lake Junaluska. In July of 2021, Jim was appointed as an Intentional Minister at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church in Trinity (2021–2023). He was also actively involved in the Emmaus and Chrysalis communities. His greatest desire was for others to experience the same joy and peace he found through his relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jim truly loved people and never met a stranger. He was a natural conversationalist who could talk to anyone and had a way of working a room that made everyone feel important. He had a servant’s heart and found joy in showing up for others, whether through a simple conversation, a helping hand, or simply making someone feel seen and cared for.
He was a man of many passions. A devoted UNC Tar Heel and football fan, he enjoyed the camaraderie of sports and fellowship. He was a member of the Lambda Chi fraternity and a pioneer of the Wesley Memorial Wesley 100 Men’s Group. He had a deep love for music, especially brass instruments, and played the tuba — even joining in with the High Point University pep band.
Jim also loved to cook and try new recipes, and many family conversations naturally found their way back to food. He was known for his appreciation of punctuality — if he was on time, he believed he was already late.
Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Rich Groome, on August 26, 1990, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family. His grandchildren lovingly knew him as “Poppi” and “Jimbo,” names that reflect the joy and presence he brought into their lives.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, James Irvin Groome IV; nephews, Scott Shaw and Chip Cecil; and his stepmother, Betty Hunt Groome.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Marilyn Rich Groome; daughter, Jessica Goome Pope and husband Billy of Willow Spring; son, Barrett Groome and wife Rachel of Greensboro; grandchildren, Carson Pope, Leighton Jaymes Pope, and Grey Groome; sisters, Susan Shaw, Janet Cecil, and Julie Sparks; and nieces Tori, Liz, Jennifer, and Stephanie.
Jim will be remembered as “one of the good ones,” a sentiment shared by those who cared for him in his final days. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from the teams at Atrium Health and Hospice of the Piedmont.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Sanctuary of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Asbury Room. Burial will be private in Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, c/o the Wesley 100 Club; 1225 Chestnut Dr, High Point, NC 27262.
Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, is in charge of the arrangements.
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