James Wesley Kruithof

James Wesley Kruithof, 84, went to meet his Savior on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. He joins his parents, his sister, and his infant son, Doug, in glory. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna (Vande Pol); his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Mary and Jim Stegink (Ryan and Kristina [Theo, Lincoln, and Tessa], Annie, Robyn and Jarrel Williams), John and Julie (Jeremiah and Ashley, Josiah, Lydia), Amy Bergsma (Carlie and Caleb Sprik, Alex, Jordan, Evan), and Louise and Ed Vecziedins. He is also survived by his sister Ruth Koster, his brother Harv and Karen, and his in-laws: Jim Heuker, Richard Wiersma, Larry and Deb Vande Pol, Carl and Jane Vande Pol as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Jim was a long-time member of the Alger Park Christian Reformed Church. His love for his family was evident in epic road trips and rollicking Sunday dinners (his barbequed chicken was the best!) His love for the Church was evident in his many years serving as a deacon or elder. His love for young people was evident in his work with the West Michigan Youth Bible Conference and Youth Unlimited (now Dynamic Youth Ministries), and his love of singing was evident in his duets with Donna and his faithful participation in the tenor section of multiple choirs. Family and friends may meet with Jim’s family at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 15. Guests are asked to wear a mask. A private interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens will be followed by a celebration of God’s goodness in Jim’s life at Zaagman’s on Saturday, October 16, at 1:00 pm (masks requested). The funeral service will be livestreamed and able to be viewed at Vimeo.com/zaagman. Memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family is most grateful to Tennille, David, and the rest of Dad’s team for their loving care these past months.