James D. Growden

James D. Growden, Jr., of Pahrump, NV for the last five years, formerly of Holland, Ohio, gained his Angel wings on August 21, 2021. Jim, a husband, father, Papa, son, brother and friend, was born on April 4, 1962 in Toledo Ohio to James (Jake) and Patricia (Krzeminski) Growden in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Sylvania Northview High School class of 1981 and went on to the University of Toledo earning an Associates degree in Business Management. He continued his educational endeavors and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lourdes College; a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Toledo and an Associates degree in Nursing from Owens Technical College. He also graduated from the Police Academy. Jim started his police career at the Medical College of Ohio, then he went on to the Village of Holland Police Dept. and was a volunteer Fire Fighter for the village of Holland. In February of 2000, he was appointed Holland’s first full-time Fire Chief and retired after 30 years. He also worked at the University of Toledo Medical Center in the ER as a Charge Nurse until March of 2020 Jim married the love of his life, Cheryl Rompf on May 1, 1993. They were married for 28 years. They loved to travel together, especially to the Upper Peninsula (Michigan) and all across the United States. Jim was an avid sports fan, rooting for the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He loved Jimmy Buffett and camping with family and friends. Jim was always the life of the party with his laugh and his smile. He is proceeded in death by his father, Jake Growden; grandparents and his in-laws, Eric and Carol (Carpenter) Rompf. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Cheryl; son, John (Kimberly) Growden; grandson, Gavin James; mother, Patricia; sister, Christine (Doug) Hudson and brothers, Joseph and Danny. Friends and family will be received on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in Walker Funeral Home, Holland-Springfield Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland, OH 43528 (419-865-8879). Funeral services will be held following the visitation at 12:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Springfield Township Cemetery. We would like to thank all of our family and friends for all the love and support and prayers. Donations may be made to Wonder Ministries, 7001 Angola Rd., Holland, OH 43528 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.