Longtime Todd County Civil Servant Jimmy Groves Dies at 91

Groves served as Todd County Circuit Court Clerk for over 20 years and was a pillar of the community.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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James "Jimmy" Martin Groves, a lifelong resident of Todd County, Kentucky, passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 91. Groves had a long career in public service, serving as the Todd County Circuit Court Clerk for over 20 years and holding leadership positions with numerous local organizations including the Todd County Sesquicentennial Corporation, the Historic Todd County, Inc., and the Todd County Democratic Executive Committee.

Why it matters

Groves was a beloved figure in the Todd County community, known for his dedication to preserving the area's history and supporting local institutions. His passing marks the end of an era for the county, as he was one of the last remaining links to its past.

The details

Groves was born in Elkton, Kentucky in 1934 and graduated from Transylvania University in 1956 with a degree in history and political science. He later completed graduate work in public administration at the University of Kentucky. Groves served in the U.S. Army Security Agency in Europe before embarking on a career in public service. He was elected to six terms as the Todd County Circuit Court Clerk, first serving in the historic 1835 courthouse and later at the 1976 courthouse. Groves was also involved with the Rotary Club of Elkton, the Todd County Jaycees, the City-County Park, and the sports programs at Todd County Central High School.

  • Groves was born on June 24, 1934 in Elkton, Kentucky.
  • He graduated from Transylvania University in 1956.
  • Groves served in the U.S. Army Security Agency in Europe.
  • He was elected as Todd County Circuit Court Clerk, first serving in the 1835 courthouse and later the 1976 courthouse.
  • Groves passed away on February 5, 2026 at the age of 91.

The players

James "Jimmy" Martin Groves

A lifelong resident of Todd County, Kentucky who served as the Todd County Circuit Court Clerk for over 20 years and held leadership positions with numerous local organizations.

Annette Hadden Valentine

An author who wrote a trilogy based on her family's heritage and held a book signing at the Historic 1835 Todd County Courthouse in 2019.

Joseph Newton Hadden

The grandfather of Annette Hadden Valentine, who mentored Jimmy Groves after Groves' father passed away at a young age.

Pam McGehee

The current CEO of Elkton Bank & Trust, where Groves served on the board of directors for many years.

Alice Jane Rager

A longtime friend of Groves who attended high school with him and shared his love of Todd County.

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What they’re saying

“We are so very honored to have had Jimmy as a member of the Elkton Bank & Trust Company Board of Directors. He joined our board in 1984 serving on various committees, 25 years as board secretary, and later as vice-chairman. Most recently he served as a Director Emeritus for EB&T. He has certainly been an asset to our bank and the community we serve.”

— Pam McGehee, CEO of Elkton Bank & Trust (wektradio.com)

“Jimmy was a perfect gentleman, well-mannered, and so very intelligent. Jimmy and I have had a lot to talk about since we both love Todd County, and we enjoyed chatting about the many people of our past as well as our present.”

— Alice Jane Rager (wektradio.com)

What’s next

The Todd County community is planning a memorial service to honor Groves' life and legacy in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Jimmy Groves' decades of public service and dedication to preserving Todd County's history and institutions made him a pillar of the local community. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.