James A. Grotz, Jr

Atlanta area automobile dealer James A. Grotz, Jr. passed away on Friday, December 01, 2017.

He was President of Southern Lincoln Mercury, Decatur, GA. for 21 years, from 1981 to 2002.  The dealership was a winner of several National Awards from Ford Motor.  Mr. Grotz always credited his employees with the success of his business.  For that he was always giving loans to employees, assisting them in purchasing homes, and taking care of his hourly employees who always looked to him for help in life challenging situations.

He was born in Wheeling, W. VA, August 17, 1942, raised in Wellsburg, W.VA., graduated from West Virginia University in 1965 and 1966 with Bachelors and Master’s degrees.  After graduation he worked for Proctor & Gamble, Lincoln Mercury Division of Ford Motor Co., and Capital Ford Trucking in Atlanta, GA. before forming Southern Lincoln Mercury with several investors.

Mr. Grotz was active in charitable causes, especially assisting in many local golf tournaments with Hole In One events to increase participation in the events.  Over the years he had 5 winners of cars in these events.

He was President of the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association in 1990 & 1991.  He was the first to be selected to lead that group for two consecutive years.  During his tenure the Assoc. was very active in implementing a drug screening program of employees for member dealerships.

He is survived by his wife, Rachael, twin daughter and son Rachael E. (Jon) Wachter and James A. Grotz, III, He has a sister Mary Catherine (John) Lyle and one nephew, James J. Lyle both of Wellsburg, W.VA. The light of his life was his three grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan Wachter and Ellen James Grotz who brought him great happiness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Polo Golf and Country Club Clubhouse.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA  30040 (770) 886.9899