Coroner: Napa coach was in Jeep blaze

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Authorities tentatively ID body as James Grobl, 66

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

7:45 p.m.Authorities have identified the man who died in a vehicle fire on Saturday as James Grobl, a longtime Napa High School teacher and swimming coach.

Napa County Coroner’s Office officials believe Grobl, 66, perished when the Jeep Wrangler he was driving caught on fire in his driveway in the 1400 block of Mount Veeder Road.

Grobl was hired by the Napa Valley Unified School District in 1977 and retired from Napa High in 2003.

Napa County Sheriff’s Capt. John Robertson said because the body was burned so badly, positive identification will not be confirmed until authorities have the results of checks against Grobl’s medical and dental records.

“We know James Grobl was a resident of the address where the Jeep was found and he was the registered owner of the vehicle,” Robertson said. “We have notified the next of kin of the tentative identification of the victim.”

Around 12:30 a.m., Saturday, firefighters responded to the Jeep fire. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters discovered the body in the driver’s seat.

“The doors on the Jeep were closed. Because the vehicle was so badly destroyed in the fire, we may never be able to come to an absolute conclusion as to what (caused) the fire,” said Calfire Battalion Chief Dave Shew. “We do know the Jeep started the fire, which spread to the dry grass.”

Shew said fire investigators have two possible conclusions as to the cause of the fire.

“The back end of the Jeep was off the edge of driveway on the dry grass. It looks as if the driver made an attempt to get the Jeep back onto the roadway. The fire could have started from exhaust from the vehicle,” Shew said.

He also said the evidence showed the Jeep had become stuck and the tires had spun enough to dig a rut in the dirt.

“The driver could have been trying to free the vehicle and the spinning of the tires could have caused enough heat friction to start the grass on fire,” Shew said.

Napa High School swimming coach Cathy Pridmore took Grobl’s position when he retired.

“We worked together for about a year and half before he retired. He was my mentor. He was a great guy who really cared about the kids. He was the kind of guy if the kids came to him and needed lunch money, he would give it to them,” Pridmore said. “He was a really awesome guy, who just really cared about the kids. This is a real shock.”

Former Napa High School Athletic Director Scott Kostecka fondly remembered Grobl.

“He was the swimming coach for many, many years. He was a great, caring guy. He was a steady, calm man, who was a positive influence over the kids,” Kostecka said. “The kids loved him. Even after he retired, he would come back to see the kids.”

59 comment(s)

Dirty Napkin wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Is that the only pic anyone can come up with?? Geeze, what did he look like in 2008?? "

SouthNapa wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Very classy, Dirty Napkin. R.I.P. Mr. Grobl. "

napapeace wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:27 PM:

" I'm wondering why he couldn't just get out of the Jeep when he saw it caught fire? "

Martinez wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:28 PM:

" I can't believe he is gone he was a substitute teacher for many of classes over the four years this is really sad.
I send my regards and condolences to Mr. Grobl's family.
R.I.P MR. GROBL "

Straight Talk wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:32 PM:

" "Refrain from personal attacks, degrading comments or remarks that do not add to a constructive dialogue."

Come on Dan. You all should be doing better than posting some of these blogs. Freedom of speech - I'm 100% for that. But classless comments that add nothing to constructive dialogue - per your comment guidelines - should not be posted. At the very least out of respect for the victim and his family.

My prayers for Mr. Grobl and his loved ones. A very sad story.... and one that I don't fully understand. Was there something blocking the Jeep doors that prevented his exit? "

gogojr1 wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:21 PM:

" OMG !!

Mr.grobl passed away..that means i don't get to see him next year at school =[

he was a really nice and patient man.

rest in peace grobl..we never got to fish together but it was great having the opportunity to meet u. "

imyourneighbor wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:41 PM:

" What a loss for Napa. He was an amazing teacher, mentor and friend. "

bigj wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:13 AM:

" Mr. Grobl was a very very special man. He touched and inspired many lives! It was a blessing to see him again recently. My heart goes out to his family and many friends.
Love ya 'Grobe' "

wowquebonita wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:42 AM:

" Oh damn!

RIP Mr. Grobl...my family knew him well.

If I remember correctly was a sub for me at Napa High..It was senior year '06 in Mr. Botton's English class....I remember the class gave him hell...yet he remained calm. "

Exasperated wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:31 AM:

" He was my 9th grade English teacher MANY years ago. Rest in peace, Mr. Grobl. What a tragedy. "

auntielmo wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:48 AM:

" This picutre is exactly how I remember Mr.Gobl when I had him as a teacher at Napa High. My prayers go out to his family. RIP Mr. Gobl. "

Napa97 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:53 AM:

" Mr. Grobl, My family and I will always remember you. You are a kind and warm human who never let any of your friends not know how much you loved them. We all know you will continue to teach in the after life, maybe as a fishing instructor!
Heaven... you have received a true angel, please be kind to him as he was kind to us. With Love, Napa97 "

donnaitalia wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:09 AM:

" What a horrible, tragic loss. Jim was a kind gentleman who really cared about the kids. He modeled good humor, patience and encouragement to all his students, especially the troubled teens in his Opportunity classes whose lives were sadly lacking in those qualities. A great coach, mentor and colleague, he always had a smile and a good word for everyone. It was a privilege to know him. "

napanative wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Mr Grobl was my swim coach for 3 years and my teacher for my freshman year. He was a funny, sarcastic, and very patient man. He believed anyone could swim and be a winner. He pushed us to do our best, and praised us even if we didn't win. What a tragic thing to have happened to anyone. If everyone could please use this way of communication to remember Mr Grobl, instead of speculate or wonder "why he couldn't just get out"...it's hard enough for me that I knew this person...to hear he has passed in such a horrible way. I would rather hear nice stories. Thank you. My condolensces to his family and all who knew him. "

marine1/1 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Mr. grobl was an excellent teacher and one of my favorites. I was also on the swim team for a year and he was an excellent coach and a great guy to go to for advice. What a loss for Napa. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a great man. Rest in Peace my friend. "

carno75 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:23 AM:

" What a shock it is to hear this news. Mr. Grobl was such a neat guy and one of a kind at NHS. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. He was one of the great memories I had from high school. Best English teacher I ever had, and a tremendous swim coach. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all who knew him. "

elb wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:29 AM:

" napapeace,

I was wondering why he didn't get out too, but last night, laying in bed it occurred to me that maybe he recognized the potential for a HUGE fire and was trying his hardest to get the jeep away from the brush (For everyone elses sake on Veeder)?

I wonder if his seatbelt was still clicked together, if he had even tried to get out? The belt would have burned but the mechanism would still be attached/melted. I really hope there wasn't foul play and a cover-up attempt.

Either way the whole thing is a horrible tragedy and I feel sad for the family and all who obviously knew and loved him.

May God grant you all a peace which surpasses all human understanding in this day of sorrow. "

elb wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:37 AM:

" And as for the photo, it's a lovely photo, showing what appears to be a kind-hearted man with a kind-hearted smile, doing what he loved, helping (Teaching) others (Youth) to become better people themselves. It really doesn't matter whether the rest of us are viewing a "current" photo or not, Dirty Napkin, but I think you actually already know that and probably regret having leaped to comment the way you did. --I'm hoping it was just a slip, anyway. "

Native74 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:59 AM:

" It's amazing how much a photo can do to bring back fond memories of a coach and teacher.

My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. "

psychochik wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Damn. I'm stunned by this. He was my english teacher my freshman year and was totallly chill. One of the best teachers I ever had.

RIP Mr Grobl, you'll be missed. :( "

sam wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:47 AM:

" Mr. Grobl will always hold a special place in my heart. I also laid in bed last night trying to understand why he didnt make it out of the jeep. I have a feeling that we may never know.

May you rest in piece. "

joelr wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:07 AM:

" wow.. this really is terrible news. I had 2 great memories of Napa High, 1986-1990 and Grobl was one of those! He will be missed by many.. I can still here him talking to me when I think back to sitting in the front row of his class.. He made me sit in the front row to make sure I read my books rather then daydream in class.

I had Grobl for a few classes over my 4 years, we had alot of great classroom nicknames for him. I will miss him as anyone who knew him will too.

Rest in Peace my friend.. thanks for the fond memories from High School. Take care and we will meet again some day.

Joel "

nvchell wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:09 AM:

" He was my english teacher in 9th way back in 94.. One of the best teachers I ever had. He was always so nice . My thoughts are with his family!!! "

JoePaniagua wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:15 AM:

" Jim Grobl was my history teacher at Justin High School way back in the early 70’s. There is no question that he was my favorite. His understated humor was perfect for the classroom and he always made every student feel they had value. Now, I am a teacher in Napa decades later and whenever I find myself in challenging situations with my students I ask myself “What would Mr. Grobl do?” He is my inspiration! I have also run into Jim from time to time over the years and he really hadn’t changed all that much…except looking a little older. He seemed to have a knack for staying young. So, the photo used for this sad story is perfect. Rest in peace Mr. Grobl! "

napateach wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:18 AM:

" I'm really shocked by this news. I'd known Jim for many years at Napa High, both as a member of our faculty, and later as a terrific substitute teacher. My students loved it when he came to sub, as he often brought donuts for them. They knew him as the "donut man". What a calm, kind, truly caring man he was. He will really be missed! "

bubbaB wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:30 AM:

" This is so sad...I have had him as a sub before. He always had students help him out with things and bring them donuts the next day. He will be missed... "

skigirltige2000 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:32 AM:

" I'm so sad to hear this. Mr Grobl was my swim coach for 3 years and was such a great joy to be around. He had a hilarious sense of humor, and he made me look forward to 7th period everyday. He will definitely be missed.
RIP Grobe. "

tj-annon wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:33 AM:

" grobl was my swim coach for the 4years I was at NHS I also was his T.A for two years and he was the best person and teacher at that school he loved us all even when we were bad haha! you know what I mean grob. I'll miss you and your your great smile you look great in that picture just like I remember you and my thoughts are with your family and I hope you have found peace and are haven a good old time up there looking down on all who loved you. "

napahighteacher wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:59 AM:

" This is such an awful tragedy. Jim was such a fixture at Napa High. He was always a top choice for us to get as a substitute teacher when we had to be away. In fact, I was the last teacher he subbed for. I had to be at a training for an entire week just before finals at NHS. He handled my 200 teenagers as if it was the easiest thing in the world. The students respected him and responded to his kindness. This whole thing is such an incredible shock. Of course my sympathy goes out to his family, however, his Napa High "family" is also feeling the impact of losing a cornerstone like Jim. "

napaswimmer wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:41 PM:

" I have thought of my swim team days often as I have been taking my own son to swim lessons. Grobl was an amazing coach, passing on lessons of discipline, hard work and a great attitude. He was an amazing part of NHS and touched so many lives. He truly cared about his students and the team. Thank you Grobl for years of fun and leadership you gave to your swimmers. You will be deeply missed. - swimmer 1997 "

vocal-de-local wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:44 PM:

" napapeace, my guess about what happened is that the fire started and the wind from the tires caused flames to quickly engulf the vehicle leading to the gas tank. When metal become very hot (this can occur in car accidents) the door handles are nearly impossible to open. I once saw this occur in a T.V.program where the occupant could not get out and those people on the outside of the vehicle could not even touch the door handles. I put a pair of leather gloves in my son's car as a result of watching that program. People generally do not think situations like this can happen but they do. Believe it or not, everyone should have a pair of leather gloves in their car not only for themselves but for assisting in the rescue of others. "

napamomma wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:30 PM:

" I enjoyed Mr. Groble very much as my 9th grade teacher in 94-95. I feel horrible for what has happened to him. His family and friends are in my thoughts. "

reality1 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:34 PM:

" I hope that police and arson investigators look at this tragedy very closely. This seems very suspicious to me. Due to a 31 year public safety career, I've seen way too many vehicle fires. They don't spread all that rapidly, and fuel tanks actually rarely light off. The only people I've seen get burned up were those who were incapable of moving due to injury or being trapped by vehicle damage. If his vehicle lit off a grass fire, Mr. Groble should have had time to get out. Being found in the driver's seat doesn't make sense. Uninjured people are capable of doing some real scrambling when their car is burning. I'm not criticizing Mr. Groble at all. This just does not seem right. "

Zaio.comGuy wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:47 PM:

" My memory is the floppy straw hat on his head while walking around the pool during meets. I would say hello from time to time while watching my daughter in the pool

I will be watching the paper to see the rest of the story. "

tcrandellgarza wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:08 PM:

" Jim was an amazing man,teacher, coach, and mentor to many people. One of his students from long ago became quite a good friend and traveling buddy to him(you know who you are). He was best friends w/his ex-wife, and he loved his family. He loved Napa High and wouldn't teach anywhere else, so he confided in me. Jim was a good client of mine for 20yrs. I made him look presentable to intimidate his students before school would start. He also, by the way, would feed some of those students out of his own money in the morning before school, knowing they hadn't eaten yet. He will be missed and my heart goes out to his family and dear friends. "

rachelsurf wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:34 PM:

" Grobi, I owe so much to this man. 4 years of swimming and many many scoldings and advice from this wonderful grizzly bear of a man. Honestly, think a lot of us took him for granted. And now we all can learn from this and appreciate the next person that comes in to our lives and makes it a better place like Grobe did. You will be missed but never forgotten. RIP "

griblgrablgrobl wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:49 PM:

" Mr. Grobl let us nerds play Castle Wolfenstein on the classroom Apple IIe during lunchtime at Redwood back in '82.

He also rode his bike to school every day, all year long.

He also was a really, really nice guy.

RIP, Mr. Grobl "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:14 PM:

" What a terrible loss. I knew Jim for ten years. He was a great gentleman who saw the good in everyone. "

koukla wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:29 PM:

" The best tribute we can pay to this fine man is to be more like him EVERYDAY!
I love you, Grob and miss you dearly.
Until we meet again,
jmv "

napamike wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:50 PM:

" RIP Mr. G. Aaron N. please contact me, Bris dad. "

napaluv wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:15 PM:

" wwkgoThank you to everyone who is writing kind words. I wish people would stop speculating on the "what ifs" Sometimes God chooses our time. Grobl loved his "sons" and his dog. He was a very amazing man who inspired my fiance to become a school teacher and swim coach too. He inspired so many of us with his kind, warm heart. We love you Grobl. You'll forever be immortalized at Mt Veeder - your home and final resting place. "

LOVENHS wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:46 PM:

" Jim was a kind and thoughtful person that wanted to give back to his fellow man through his teaching and coaching. I remember him telling me about his Peace Corps experience--that really impressed me! I always hate that all these wonderful comments were not able to be expressed to him in life, however, I do believe that he knew that he made a difference for young people and was proud of his career in education. "

el-alien wrote on Jul 31, 2008 7:04 AM:

" Mr. Grobl was my teacher back in the Castle Wolfenstein Apple IIe days, like griblgrabl. Though he was my math teacher for just one year, he remained a mentor through middle school and high school. He was one of the best role models I have seen. "

pikake5786 wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:37 AM:

" I was at work in LA yesterday when my brother called me to tell me that Grobl passed. He was my swim coach for three years prior to his retirement and a family friend for decades. As the lovely Lisaca said earlier. RIP Grobe. "

elbear wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:45 AM:

" Thank you all for your kind words about Jim. Clearly this was a warm and generous man who had a positive impact on everyone with whom he came in contact. Never have I heard an ill word spoken about him. Let this thread continue to be a forum for those who wish to express their loving thoughts and condolences. Please refrain from speculation as to the specifics of this incident, as authorities have those details well in hand. Again, thank you and peace be with you. "

glenroy wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:53 AM:

" NapaNative 74,,,,Ditto big time… "

sam wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Do we know if there will be funeral services? "

skiph wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:45 PM:

" Wow...what a shock. My 10th grade english teacher. He used to always have hot water in the coffee pot so we could have cup o noodles or hot chocolate during class. An excellent teacher!!

"Class of '92" "

gogojr1 wrote on Jul 31, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Grobl was a substittute teacher for me many times last year.It's hard knowing he will not be there next year.

RIP GROBL "

elbear wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:41 PM:

" The family is still coordinating memorial service arrangements; details will be forthcoming soon. "

SShaff wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:45 PM:

" This was the most Awesome (Grobe would know exactly who this was just by my 1st sentence) teacher/swim coach & my fav from him "Where are you going young lady" Still makes me smile. You are the best hands down & we will all miss you- Untill we meet again-Love You Grobe. "

CarrieLee wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:23 PM:

" My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, and all who knew him. Quite possibly the greatest teacher I ever had! He really had a way of connecting with the kids, and his passion for swimming was contagious! I may have been the slowest 500 free swimmer, but he always had something encouraging to say. My heart goes out to his family. I will miss him greatly.
Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement Mr Grobl. You made me and all your students better people.
~your student from 95-97 "

Allen wrote on Aug 1, 2008 8:48 AM:

" A very sad day for the Napa community and the thousands of students' lives Jim Grobl has touched. For a time he and I were neighbors on Mt. Veeder as well as colleagues at Napa High School.

He was a great guy, an advocate for children and he even had the guts to try and teach me how to swim properly.

Thank you Jim you will be missed but not forgotten. "

napaao wrote on Aug 1, 2008 3:14 PM:

" i cant believe people are concerned with what picture they put up of him. "

napagirl1970 wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:03 PM:

" Nice to see all the positive comments for Mr. Grobl, he was my teacher at Redwood in the early 80's and he was what I always will remember as the mountain man! I hope his family will know that he touched the lives of many, he always remained calm in the midst of the well do I care to say the fire!

I was shocked of this news, I hope I never ever wake up again in this town to hear more tragic news!

To the mountian man and his bike, may you always be still in the storm... "

Sunnydee wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:19 PM:

" Grobl was the kindest man I have ever met. I NEVER won a race, but he still cheered me on, and told me I did a great job EVERY time.
I saw him give kids lunch or mik-break money, knew a girl who had no money for a team suit which Grobe made sure she got.
I believe that koukla was right; the best way to remember Grobl is to be more like him every day.
Rest in Peace Old Man of the Sea; your kind heart will be truly missed. "

CThompson wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:48 PM:

" He was a good friend of the family. My mom helped coach with him the 4yrs I was in high school. What a great man. My fondest memories are dousing him with a bucket of water on his birthday and the trip to sections in Merced. We were a rowdy bunch and he joined in the fun as long as no harm came to anyone. Thank you for some great memories. You will always be loved and cherished. We miss you greatly.
My thoughts go out to his family. "

Gordo wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:57 PM:

" "griblgrablgrobl wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:49 PM:
" Mr. Grobl let us nerds play Castle Wolfenstein on the classroom Apple IIe during lunchtime at Redwood back in '82.

He also rode his bike to school every day, all year long."

This is exactly how I remember my favorite teacher in Junior High at Redwood. I also remember how we could leave early (5 min) if we could answer a trivia question correctly.

I haven't played Wolfenstein since, but I do ride my bike to work every day.
I will continue to try to be as kind, witty, gentle and compassionate as Mr. Grobl was. I learned from the master. "

rain_dancer25 wrote on Aug 9, 2008 3:22 PM:

" Everyone's comments are so true. Mr. Grobl will be missed as he was one of the best coaches/teacher/mentor that Napa has known. I remember him coming to our swim meets even after he had retired. R.I.P. Mr. Grobl. We all love you and I'm sorry you had to go in such an unpleasant way, but you made a HUGE difference in the lives of many kids through the years. We will miss you. "

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