James Arno Grothey

Jim Grothey died Friday, April 5 at the age of 63. He was born on August 8, 1960, in Milwaukee. After graduating from Whitewater, he earned a Master’s of Arts from Ball State University, where he met and married Andrah (Andy) Horsman, a native of Converse, Indiana. He was a loving father to Christopher (Emily Lawrence-Grothey) and Mitchel Grothey. He is further survived by his brother Gerald (Jerry) Grothey, sister- in-law Laura Ingalls and niece Victoria (Matt) Englund.

Jim worked in the advertising industry for 40 years beginning in Indianapolis and moving to Milwaukee in 1990. While he worked on many accounts, advertising was only one element of his life. He was a man of varied interests. He was a student of history. He was mechanically inclined and could fix almost anything (Usually with the help of multiple YouTube videos). He raised horses and was an avid rider. He was an accomplished gardener, raising all kinds of vegetables every year. He enjoyed the Madison Farmer’s Market. Summers he and Andy could be found at polo matches. He traveled to many countries and states. He was a gourmet cook and an excellent baker. He knew fine wines and bourbon, enjoyed martinis, and appreciated a good meal.

He was very good at financial management and was an excellent investor. He studied the markets and companies in detail when looking at opportunities. Every winter he enjoyed snowmobiling in the Lake Country. Over the years he always enjoyed the dogs and cats that were always in the house. One of his biggest attributes was a marvelous sense of humor and he could laugh easily at himself.

Jim was an active member of Gethsemane United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir with Andy. He was on the Pewaukee Food Pantry board and served on programs designed to help those in need. He especially enjoyed helping people — young people starting their careers, those in need through the church, providing investment advice, working with children to ride his horses, or pitching in for neighbors and family. His family was the center of his life. He was so proud of Andrah, Chris, Emily, and Mitch. Jim’s success in life and in raising his family did not prevent the mental illness that ended his life prematurely. He struggled with depression and anxiety for a long time. He sought help and received it but, in the end, the mental illness was too much. He would encourage anyone who is suffering to seek help.

Donations should be directed to Hope Center, Racer Placers, Gethsemane United Methodist Church or Pewaukee Food Pantry.

There will be a celebration of life in May.