James “Everett” Groth, 85, of Rigby, Idaho and Eureka, Nevada passed away surrounded by his family, Tuesday, January 3, 2017 in Rexburg at Madison Memorial Hospital.  Everett was born November 18, 1931 in Ririe, Idaho, the son of John Raymond Groth and Lela Maud Park Groth.  He attended schools in Ririe and graduated from Ririe High School.  He served his country in the US Army as a mechanic in Panama.

On November 15, 1955 he married Verna Jean Tyler in Ririe, Idaho.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.  In their early years they made a living working for Earl Hunter, farming and ranching in the Ririe and Mud Lake areas.  They then moved their family to Nevada in 1966 where he played an extreme roll in starting, developing and sustaining a very successful farming community in Diamond Valley.  He cleared, leveled, planted and harvested acres and acres for flood irrigated farm land.  In 1973 he purchased his own farm land and continued to farm until he “semi-retired” (LOL) at the age of 80 and sold his farm to his nephews, Eddie and Daniel Groth, keeping it in the family.  He worked in area open pit and underground mines. He drilled most of the water wells and did the pump work in Diamond Valley and surrounding areas.  He often donated his time and resources to things such as drilling a well for the Diamond Valley LDS Church and the dirt work of the High School Football Field.  He did custom haying, mechanic work for himself as well as many neighbors and any other job that he could find to support his family.

Everett was one of the most selfless, hardworking, loving, God fearing men this world has ever known.  He was loved dearly by his family, friends and anyone who crossed his path.  He took care of more perfect strangers than anyone could ever imagine.  Above all he loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially when they could spend time with him and even facetimed him.

He is survived by his daughters; Connie (Steve) Jones of Rigby, ID and Kimberli Calvin of Rigby, ID.  His sons; James T. (Tammy) Groth of Rigby, ID, Jeffrey (Lachelle) Groth of Ely, NV and Aaron (Christina) Groth who are hopelessly transient (LOL) and one brother Harry Groth of Graham, WA.  20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Verna Jean Groth and siblings Bill, Harvey and Lucille.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1 p.m. in the Rigby East Stake Center (4021 East 300 North, Rigby, ID).  The family will meet with friends on Friday, January 6th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 W. Main, Rigby) and again on Saturday, January 7th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church.  Interment will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.  Condolences can be shared with the Groth family at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.