NAPA - With a warm smile, twinkling blue eyes and a grizzled beard, Jim Grobl demonstrated the power of friendship and a fervent love for both nature and humanity. He was a man of the mountain in touch with the great outdoors and will be missed by many.

Our beloved son, brother and friend, James O. Grobl, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2008. He touched the lives and hearts of thousands of young people in his 66 years. Over 40 of those years he dedicated to a career in education, where Jim coached swimming and taught history, math and English. As a boy scout, a lifeguard and swim instructor in his hometown of San Leandro, to later embrace a two-year mission with the Peace Corps, his love for teaching and encouraging others to excel began as a young boy where he was nurtured by his father’s love for the outdoors. He learned to fish, skin-dive for abalone, hike trails and respect nature. Many family vacations by the water sealed his affinity with the outdoors. He loved birds, Alaska, swimming with sea turtles on the Galapagos Islands, good red wine, kayaking, his faithful Labrador Luna, and his family and friends. Jim is greatly loved and admired by his family, a hero to his two sisters and a wonderful son to his parents. He was an avid environmentalist and supported many wildlife and conservation organizations.

Jim was born in Oakland on April 1, 1942, and attended Arroyo High School in San Leandro. He obtained his B.A. in history from St. Mary’s College in 1962, and went on to receive his teaching credential from Humboldt State University in 1965. He then joined the Peace Corps, teaching English at an all-girls school in Sierra Leone, Africa, for two years. He taught at Justin-Siena High School in the late 1960s, Redwood Junior High in the early ‘70s and went on teach and coach swimming at Napa High School until he retired in 2003. He continued to substitute teach at NHS and was highly requested by his colleagues, which made it feel as though he had never left. His signature straw hat and friendly greeting were staple fixtures at Napa High swim meets and around the campus. Students affectionately called him “Grobe” and he could handle the surliest bunch with his calm demeanor and gentle mannerisms. Always respecting his students as individuals and earning their respect and friendship, Jim’s heart was truly for his students. He advocated for their needs, became a mentor and father figure for many, fed, clothed, supplied lunch money or bus fare, always believing that everyone deserved a second chance. He never judged kids from their past mistakes and he never gave up on them.

He is survived by his loving parents, Eileen and George Grobl of San Leandro; his younger sister, Jeanne Grobl-Kassis of Walnut Creek; and his youngest sister, Jill and her husband, Ken Elston of Kelseyville. He has two beautiful nieces, Stephanie and her husband, Sonny Duty, and Julie and her husband, Kreg Barnett, along with seven great-nieces and nephews, all of Kelseyville. He also leaves behind his long-time friend and former wife, Karen Grobl of Napa, and a lengthy list of very close friends he considered family.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at noon, at the Yountville Community Park.

A scholarship has been established in his memory. Jim would want us to continue to reach out to young people and help them along the road to envision their dreams. Contributions may be made to the Napa High School Scholarship Fund/Jim Grobl Memorial Scholarship, 2475 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94558.

A memorial Mass will also be held in Jim’s memory on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 9 a.m., at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St., Napa. Friends are welcome to attend.c