Jim Groat

Jim Groat, also known as Rabbi Tom, Krag Carbine and Elkabong (full real name James L. Groat), is a furry artist who lives in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. He had two children (who are sometimes referred to as the Groatlings) with former spouse Rebekah (whom he wedded at Confurence 1994).

Fandom involvement
Some of his earlier comics, in collaboration with fellow artist Richard Konkle, were published as far back as 1985, featuring the characters Red Shetland and Equine the Uncivilized, which were printed under his independent label GraphXPress. He has also done commercial art for others, including interior artwork for the GURPS version of Bunnies & Burrows.

Jim is known for being a caricaturist. In such furry zines such as Yarf, he would often publish his convention reports in comic book format. For a while during the conventions themselves, he made a tradition of destroying plush toy versions of Smurfs or of Barney the dinosaur, a practice that became known as a Groatish Mauling.

Jim was a guest of honor at ConFurence 1, Albany Anthrocon 1998, and Rocket City FurMeet 2004. He is a member of the Lake Area Furry Friends.

Webcomic
Groat was the creator, writer and line artist behind the webcomic, West Corner Of the Park.

Convention attendance

 * Albany Anthrocon - 1998*
 * Anthrocon - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
 * Confurence - 1990*
 * FurFright - 2009, 2010
 * Further Confusion - 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013
 * FWA - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
 * Mephit Furmeet - 2009, 2010, 2012
 * Midwest FurFest - 2010, 2011, 2012
 * Painted Desert Fur Con - 2020
 * Rocket City FurMeet - 2004*

(*) GoH

Other media
He also appeared in a WKOW television newsclip in August of 2007 about scouring the University of Wisconsin campus for useful and sellable items.

Controversy
There have been occasional discussions that he has suggested events of a dire nature to encourage others to come to his help and aid.