James "Jim" Roa Groft, 78, of Ashton, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.  Graveside services will be held in the Ashton Cemetery on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Doug Duncan officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD. (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

James "Jim" Roa Groft was born March 22, 1948, in Redfield, SD, to John and Alice (Beardemphl) Groft. After first living on a farm near Frankfort, SD, he grew up on the family farm northeast of Ashton. He graduated from Northville in 1966.

He married Carol Opitz on December 26, 1970, in Redfield, SD, and the couple raised one son.  The couple first lived in Redfield before making a permanent home in Ashton.  Jim started out working for Rude Trucking in Redfield before working at Appel Oil (originally Phillips 66) for many, many years.  Jim never could quite fully retire and continued working part-time until months before his death.  While working at Appel's, Jim got to know most everyone in the Redfield area, many of whom came to see him during his last few weeks at the Redfield hospital.

Jim never found a need for traditional hobbies.  He played a mean game of solitaire and put many miles on his pickup driving slowly around the countryside before socializing at the Ashton Bar.  He was glad to climb on a mower and keep the city of Ashton looking sharp.  Jim occasionally helped his son and grandkids work cows and put up hay.  He was a trusted repairman on the farm and went for parts and tire repairs often.

Jim is survived by his son, James (Nora) Groft of Ashton, SD. He is also survived by his four grandchildren:  Isaac (fiancée Erica Carda), Peyton (friend Dajshon Keel), Madalyn, and Samuel, and his four siblings: Amelia Watson of Mandan, ND; Sherry Baloun of Redfield, SD; Rose (Dave) Haselhorst of Minneapolis, MN; and John (Pat) Groft of Ashton, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, and granddaughter Bailey.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the Ashton Community Hall.