James Michael McGroarty was born in Kerrville, Texas, on April 5, 1955. After a courageous journey, James was called to his eternal home on April 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He is now at rest, restored, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy defined by adventure, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. He was a man larger than life—someone whose story felt more like legend than ordinary life, and whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
The son of Patrick and Mary McGroarty, James was raised with his family's strong ties to the community of Bandera. He enjoyed a childhood most would envy, in a way that only Bandera, Texas, could offer. James attended St. Joseph Catholic School And graduated from Bandera High School in 1973. He attended the Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI). James's distinguished career was defined by grit and global impact. After opening several bars starting at age 19, he spent 20 years with Saudi Aramco, setting world records in offshore production. He was appointed by royal decree to lead the cleanup of the world's largest oil spill during the Gulf War and received the King's Commission from King Fahd. James retired in 1994, leaving an unmatched legacy of fearless conviction.
In Greensboro, James co-founded Shamrock Environmental, with vision, determination and an instinct for opportunity, he saw possibility where others did not. Through that vision, he helped build the company into a thriving multimillion-dollar enterprise Chosen for high-stakes projects like the 2001 Anthrax cleanup, he earned Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award. A dedicated civic leader, James served on numerous boards and was honored as Greensboro's Businessman of the Year four times.
To his family, James was a teacher and a guiding force who insisted on a life fully lived. He taught his children to "always take the trip," providing a childhood rooted in global adventure—from overlanding the Arabian desert to African safaris and skiing black diamonds. A true explorer, he believed in letting imagination lead the way. James leaves a legacy of courage, curiosity, and life without limits.
James is preceded in death by his father, Patrick McGroarty; mother, Mary McGroarty; brother, Patrick McGroarty; and mother-in-law, Doris Tedesco. He is survived by his wife and partner in shenanigans, Stella; all his children, whom he bragged about at every opportunity: Christina Powell; Justin Powell (sons Wyatt and Garrett"Bug" ) Jennifer Vanderfleet; Jon Vanderfleet(son Wylie); Ashley McGroarty partner Daniel Patrick (son Colton) Brittany McGroarty (Shaw); Harris Shaw (daughter Margaret Ayres Shaw, arriving June 7th). He is also survived by Stella's children, whom he loved as his own: Justin Bennetsen; Reagan Bennetsen (children Mia , Asher and Jude) and Kaila Bennetsen -who was also James's Right Hand (son Wade White)
A memorial service will be held on May 31, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the 11th Street Bar in Bandera, Texas.
For the full obituary, please visit: www.banderafuneralchapel.com
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