James David DeGroote

James David DeGroote, 71, of Bloomington passed away July 24, 2023, at his home. “David”, or as many knew him as “Dad”, was born June 10, 1952 in Evansville, IN to James and Martha (Kavanaugh) DeGroote. David was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana and went on to obtain his associate degree in Paramedic Sciences from Indiana State University, where he met his first wife Catherine A (RIchardson) DeGroote from Elkhart, IN. They were married 12 years and had two daughters. He could never get enough knowledge about the human body and how to save lives. He loved traumas and it is well known that he was a master of keeping calm, educating, prioritizing, compartmentalizing, and even risking his own life in order to save others. He was always pushing the limit and thought outside the box when it came to Emergency Services. He implemented cave rescue training, water rescue, and repelling off of the hospital parking garage, which were unprecedented at the time. He ran mock mass traumas and held his employees to the highest standards. He expected the same from his daughters, who he often involved in many of the trainings. In 1980, he developed the Bloomington Hospital Ambulance Service. He had a dream of creating a better system to help those in need, and he ran with it. He dedicated almost 30 years to BHAS and left a legacy that is not only admirable, but the number of people that he inspired along the way is countless. He strived for greatness and achieved it. He expected perfection, but was forgiving of flaws. He encouraged and supported so many to help shape the path of their careers and lives. Many of the people that he hired as teenagers are still working there currently and it is a general consensus that he is the reason they love what they do. He loved knowing that and loved talking about memories he shared during those times. Seeing people grow was a passion of his and there is no doubt that he died proud of each and every employee he had throughout the years. He retired in 2008 and moved to Navarre, FL with the love of his life, Tami Wellman-DeGroote. Tami and he were married for 27 years and there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t dote on her and his love for her. While in Florida, David began working for Santa Rosa Island Authority as Lead Maintenance Tech/Heavy Equipment Operator after obtaining his CDL. He truly lived out his dreams on that beach, often sending videos to those in Indiana “complaining” about the “terrible view and weather.” The beach and just being on the water was something that always gave him peace. In 2020, after suffering from a severe case of Fungal Meningitis, he and Tami returned to Indiana to be closer to their family. In 2021, he began working for the CIty of Bloomington Urban Forestry doing lawncare and nature preserve. He has always loved nature and loved what he did. Although always missing his BHAS days, David took every job very seriously and his work ethic was noticed and admired by many. He officially retired in 2023 and spent most of his free time with his family and the “other love of his life”, Dakotah (his German Shepard and best buddy.) Surviving are his two daughters: Lauren (Reid) Stewart, of Westfield and Catherine “Kate” (Rob) Schnarr of Bloomington; His step-son Zachary (Jessica) Wellman of Bloomington and their children Dylan and Kasey Wellman. He had three grandsons: Brayden Stewart, Preston Stewart, and “Trey” Rowe. Two sisters: Cathy Combs of Florida, and Jami (Mike) Richardson of Evansville, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Carole LeMond. Instead of a traditional funeral, the family has decided to honor his wishes by cremation and a Celebration of Life. There will be a visitation at Allen Funeral Home 4155 S. Old St Rd 37 Bloomington on Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, immediately followed by a service at 7:00pm where a select few will speak. David was full of life, lived life in the present, and would NEVER want his loved ones crying over him. That was just him, and it is important to honor him in that way. There will be a separate Celebration of Life at a later date (TBD) for those that would like to share their stories and memories of David. Family requests, in lieu of any flowers, please know that your support and love is all that is needed. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived FOREVER.” Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

James David DeGroote

June 12, 1952 - July 24, 2023