Joel Craig Grogan, 71, of Staunton passed away Friday, December 16, 2016 at his home surrounded by his wife and children. Due to the rare nature of his autoimmune lung disease and its rapid progression, his end stage was mercifully brief, but unexpected.
Born October 13, 1945 in Abingdon, Virginia, one of five children, he was the son of the late Harold Lewis and Helen (Moore) Grogan. From his birth, he was known by one and all as Jody.
Following graduation from Staunton's Robert E. Lee High School, Jody attended the University of Virginia, graduated from Campbell College with an English degree and began his teaching career in Atlanta, Georgia in 1969. Jody raised his family and pursued his career in education in both Georgia and Virginia. He joined the cooperative that published The Great Speckled Bird, Atlanta's long-running underground newspaper. Jody and his wife Linda, both inveterate educators, led highly acclaimed workshops on the art of parenting. For over 20 years he taught English and Debate at a number of public schools in both Georgia and Virginia. In addition to his years of dedicated teaching, he held leadership and staff positions in the Atlanta Federation of Teachers, the Virginia Education Association, and the Organization of DeKalb Educators. He finished his career as a highly regarded lobbyist at the Georgia State Capitol for the Georgia Education Association, the state affiliate of the National Education Association. He was a stalwart supporter of the principles of union solidarity and dignity in the workplace. As a trained mediator, Jody's special skills were a great asset in counseling individuals, successfully settling grievances, and crafting resolutions to policy debates.
Following his retirement and return to Staunton in 2007, Jody's passion for public education led to his election and dedicated service as a board member for the Staunton City Schools since 2011. His active interest in history, politics, and public policy also led him to work as a docent interpreter at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum for the past several years. Jody was a member of the National Education Association of Retired Teachers and the Staunton Democratic Committee. Political to his core, Jody's most recent activities included supporting the Democratic ticket in November, and working with 1VA2021, an effort to curb political gerrymandering in the Commonwealth. He shared the concerns of many about the new administration and the potential setbacks to public education and other vitally important investments in our nation's future.
Jody and his family first joined the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta in 1984, where he worked in youth programs. He became an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Waynesboro, serving in many roles, singing in the choir, and highly involved with the Social Action Committee.
Jody's wide network of friends included the special lifelong bonds he held with his band of high school brothers, including the Belugas and their annual New Year's immersion in the icy waters of the Middle River.
Always fully engaged with family, church, and community, Jody enjoyed politics, theater, film, reading, singing, and live music, as well as special time with his wife, his children and grandchildren, and his four siblings. Thanksgiving family reunions on the Outer Banks have been a cherished Grogan tradition for decades and Jody enjoyed his last gathering with dozens of family members in November. He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Survivors include his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 48 years, Linda (Parrott) Grogan; two children, Jason Grogan of Atlanta, GA and Lia (Grogan) Craft and husband, Robert of Waynesboro; grandchildren, Cameron Grogan, Blake Grogan, Kieran Grogan, Lily Hines and Jackson Hines; siblings, Hal Grogan and wife, Crawford of Falls Church, VA, the Hon. Nan Grogan Orrock of Atlanta, GA, Molly Waldrop and husband, Rev. Russ Waldrop of Waynesboro, and Dan Grogan and wife, Barbara of Charlottesville; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, Dec. 22 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 565 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro, Virginia, with the Rev. Paul Oakley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jody's memory to the Augusta Health Foundation, c/o Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939 or the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 565 Pine Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 31, 2016
Dear Family, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Mr. Grogan. May Jehovah God help you to bear the burden of your grief at this difficult time. (Ps. 55:22) Warm Regards, Kay
December 27, 2016
Marva Dunn
My sincere sympathy to the Grogan family.
From:
Marva J. Dunn
City of Emporia/Greensville County, VA
School Board member
December 22, 2016
Bob Dickerman
What an exemplary citizen was our friend Jody Grogan! His life was dedicated to improving our society whether through education or progressive causes. I'm so sorry not only for his beloved family, but for his many colleagues and mentorees in education, our Staunton school board, our Virginia Education Association and his church. Rest in Peace, Jody!!!
December 22, 2016
Jack Sliney
Jody has been my life-long friend. Although I have not seen him in almost 20 years, I was fortunate to talk with him on the phone about a month ago. I could not attend the funeral because I am on my way to Texas to visit my daughter and her family. I pray that his family makes it through the Holiday season with the help of The Lord. Rest in Peace Jody.
December 22, 2016
Albea's
Dear Dan and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear brother.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Beth, Scott, Will and Vivian
December 21, 2016
Suzanne Peeler
I loved Helen, Harold, and all of the Grogans! Jody contributed much to our community! I am sorry that I cannot be present for the Service and give a hug to every one of you. I want you to know of my ongoing love and sympathy.
December 21, 2016
Nan, Linda, and the family, sadness for you, I know, and for all of us to lose Jody's good spirit, especially at this time of year, but for all time. I know he's organizing and singing with the angels. Comfort and joy to you that he gave so much of himself to better his fellow man and woman. Peace, Mary Lou Romaine Waymer
December 20, 2016
God Speed dear friend-glad to have seen you and Linda in Atlanta for those years--who will i have to argue politics with now.--My prayers are with your family
Sam Shiplett
December 20, 2016
Shirley Schecter
For all the Grogans, the ones I know and the ones I don't know. I only knew Jody as a teen. He was special then and after reading his obituary, I can see he was special though out his life. My heart goes out to you: Hal, Nan, Molly, and Danny. It is always hard to lose a loved one, but it is a little easier if you know you will see them again in Heaven. I still love you all and have fond memories of you. Please accept my condolences. Shirley Schecter
December 20, 2016
Billi Cusick Taylor
Hey Dan -
Peppy shared this sad news.
He looks like a good fellow.
I'm sure he still is.
I hope you won't miss him painfully, but rather, fondly.
Love,
Billi
December 20, 2016
Jane Andrews Crowder
Hal, Crawford, Nan, Molly and Danny,
So sad to learn about Jody, but we know it is a time of rejoicing for him and for all of us that he is in the presence of Christ and getting ready to celebrate his first Christmas in Heaven. If we live our lives as he did always thinking of and doing for others first, we will see him again one day.
My love and thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
December 20, 2016
We were very sad to learn of the passing of Jody. We found him to be a caring, smart and lovable person of strong convictions. We live in Wisconsin so did not see him often but had great times celebrating graduations and other special events related to the 3 beautiful grandchildren which we share with him and Linda. Our prayers and good wishes go out to the Grogan family.
David & Doris Carlson
December 20, 2016
I was so saddened to read about Jody's death. He was an incredibly vital person and a man of deep convictions which he acted on. His was a life of service, and we have all benefited from Jody's presence among us. My prayers are with Linda and her family. He was a truly good man.
December 20, 2016
Bob and Terry Boyle
Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. May your cherished memories of Jody bring you peace and comfort. Keep care.
December 20, 2016
I was saddened to hear of Jodys passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time. Barbara Morris Szabo
December 19, 2016
Deedee and Pat Murphy
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Grogan family. We will miss Jody's wit and wisdom but our memories will keep him in our hearts. Love to you all.
December 19, 2016
Dr. Sid Chapman
As President of the Georgia Association of Educators,
I offer sincere condolences to the family upon the loss of our colleague and friend, Jody Grogan. We appreciate the life he lived and his service to humankind.
December 19, 2016
Dear Linda and family...
We were so sad to hear about Jody.
Our deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you...
Barbara and Jack
(Left a little plant for you at 302.
We're"n the road" on Thursday...
will send thoughts and prayers your way)
December 19, 2016
Barbara Kirby
Dear Linda and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Jody's death. Jody, Jocelyn and I worked together in Government Relations at the Georgia Association of Educators. He was a team player and great colleague.
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family,
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Kirby
December 19, 2016
C T
My though and prayers are with the families of Mr Jody. May you find comfort in these words of wisdom. (John 11: 11-13)
December 19, 2016
Peggy McCormick Cox
I have very fond memories of Jody, his wonderful parents and his siblings from Central United Methodist Church in Staunton many years ago. I'm so sorry to learn of Jody's passing, but am relieved to hear that he is out of pain. Many thoughts and prayers to all of his family.
December 19, 2016
Sue and Patrick Peason
Dear Linda, I knew Jody was a stand-up guy, but I had no idea what a rock star he was! The world is a better place for him being a part of it. Please know that you are in our thoughts, in our prayers and always in our hearts.
December 19, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
December 19, 2016
Christina Rivera
Linda and Dan, you and your entire family are in my daily prayers. Jody was such a warm light of Unitarian Universalism, we will miss his social justice devotion, humor and joy. All my love, Chris and family.
December 19, 2016
Jane Custer Griffin
Linda, and the entire Grogan Family and host of close friends: I have had you on my mind and in my prayers constantly-- with a heavy heart-- for your loss. But I have also been silently rejoicing that Jody suffers no more and is walking Heaven's Streets of Gold. My sincere condolences. God truly gained a very special angel.
December 19, 2016
Linda, Lia & Jason - I'm so very sorry about Jody (or Mr. Grogan as I always knew him as...) I pray for comfort and peace for your family. One day soon, I hope that your sorrow will turn to smiles and your confusion to acceptance. Cherish your memories. They are indeed God's greatest gift to us.
Keri Hanenkrat Arroll and Family
December 19, 2016
Debbie Knott
Dan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God's love bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
December 19, 2016
Alan Christy and Kathleen Stinehart
Wonderful write-ups and photos in the newspaper this morning. It was a sad surprise to lose Jody so suddenly. Unfortunately we'll miss the memorial service because we'll be traveling, but we are thinking of you and your family, Linda, and hope to see you soon.
December 19, 2016
Brandi Baylor
Linda, Mom and I are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
December 19, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
December 19, 2016
Caw
My thoughts and prayers are with the Grogan family and friends in your hour of sorrow. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.
December 18, 2016
Carolyn Dull
Jody was such an asset to our community in so many ways. I was privileged to have known and worked with him.
December 18, 2016
Tammy Kincaid
With deepest sympathy
December 18, 2016
Peppy Linden
Jody's death heralds the passing of an inspired educator; a skilled activist; a dedicated public servant and a lovely person.
December 18, 2016
Anne Tullidge
I am so thankful to have had that great tour of "the birthplace" for our 50th. Jody was just as bright, knowledgeable, and funny as I remembered from long ago. Now reading his obituary with a heavy heart, I am not surprised at any of his work and successes. " A life well lived, " old friend!
December 18, 2016
Carl Lane
Growing up with Jody on Selma Blvd. we shared many childhood "adventures" and I have fond memories of that time. Jody was a huge Elvis fan in the late 50's and his room was plastered with pictures and posters. While I have not seen Jody in recent years, I remember him well and I am sorry for his untimely passing. My condolences and prayers to his family.
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