Adrian (Jim) Hoebeke

Jim Hoebeke was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Spending time with his family meant everything to him and he treasured their many special holiday traditions over the years. His warm personality and steadfast love will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

The 1940s were characterized by WWII. Some of the most significant inventions that would impact lives for many years to come were created during this time period including the Transistor and the Mobile Phone. Adrian and Marian Hoebeke were delighted when their son, Adrian James, arrived on April 11, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sandwiched between his two sisters, Judy and Linda, he brought great joy and happiness to the family home.

Jim lived a typical childhood of the times. He enjoyed playing baseball with a group of kids in the neighborhood and had plenty of interests to keep him busy. He attended Congress Elementary and Middle School before making his way to Central High School graduating with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, Jim landed at the junior college for a few years before transferring to Davenport University. He left college to start work at General Motors which provided him the opportunity to earn some money and use his skills.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of his future bride, Sharon. While ordering up lunch at the local burger joint in town, she caught his eye! Dating for a short time, they married on October 29, 1966 at Smith Memorial Congregational Church before settling into their apartment on Fountain Street in downtown Grand Rapids. In December 1966, Jim enlisted in the Air National Guard of Michigan and served as a reserve of the Air Force after four of his friends also agreed to serve. During his time in the service, he stayed in many different bases and his family came to visit him. Sharon and Jim welcomed home their first born daughter, Erin, when he was home on leave. Sharon moved in with her parents to care for their new baby while he returned to the base. By 1972, their second daughter, Kristen, arrived. In December of that same year Jim was honorably discharged from his VA status and returned home.

Out of the service, Jim started work on the line at Keebler making Pop-tarts toaster pastries. A strong provider for his growing family, his work afforded them their first home on Arthur Avenue. Later, he returned to GM where he remained for his entire career. The family later moved to their home on Nichols Dr NW. Jim worked countless hours to ensure his family had everything they needed. Any amount of time he had off from work, they usually packed up and headed to their favorite campground. A family favorite was Pentwater State Park where they started out tent camping before later purchasing a motorhome. He and Sharon always planned fun activities to tire out the kids while camping. Each moonlit evening they shared laughter around the campfire before heading off to bed. Their treasured time camping led them to invest in a permanent spot at Timber Lake. These years included camping with Jim’s sister, Judy and her family. Camping was their favorite pastime as a family which they continued as their family grew.

In addition to his work and family, Jim held many special interests. For many years he enjoyed playing softball, bowling, and golf. Jim also loved to shoot pool and would occasionally allow Sharon to play, too! In addition to their camping years together, he and Sharon also loved to plan family trips. They enjoyed several vacations to a Dude Ranch in Colorado, to Branson, Missouri, and Las Vegas to name a few. A highlight was traveling to Cedar Point in their motorhome and spending time at their dear families cottage affectionately named, The Shack, where they went canoeing, fishing, and floating on the Little Manistee River. The water was always refreshing and the snacks, card games, and time with cousins were part of the fun! Jim loved playing Cribbage, Poker, Tripoli, and even created his own card game! An avid sports fan, Jim loved his Chicago Cubs, as well as the Detroit Tigers and Lions. When it came to college sports, he loved to follow MSU. Jim would often have multiple TVs on at once or flip the channels just to follow the scores and not miss a thing! Above all else, the time he shared with his family was most important to him.

In recent years, retirement gave him and Sharon the opportunity to travel and share many special memories with their growing family. They took a trip to Hawaii, Alaska, and many other places throughout the US. As their family grew to include son-in-laws and grandchildren, he and Sharon couldn’t be happier. At Thanksgiving celebrations Jim's family had to rent a hall in Wayland just to fit everyone together! As a grandfather, Jim loved attending the grandkids’ many special milestones and events. He was always supportive and wanted to share in their many successes. Jim and Sharon recently moved to Story Point Independent living facility in Grand Rapids to receive more care. Described as strong willed and stubborn at times, Jim had a fierce love for his family, especially his devoted wife Sharon. He wanted to make sure that she was happy, healthy, and supported all the days of his life. Sadly, he is gone. Jim will be dearly missed by his loved ones. May they never doubt the love he held for each and every one of them and may his many special memories be eternal.

Adrian (Jim) Hoebeke Jr. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Kubiak. Jim is survived by Sharon Hoebeke, his wife of 60 years, and daughters, Erin (Aaron) Breaugh and Kristen (Scott) Braun. Jim also leaves behind his grandchildren, Derek (Harmony) Braun, James Braun, Mikayla Warner, Anna Breaugh, Easton Warner and Katelyn Breaugh; sister, Judy (Gene) Jankowski, as well as his sister-in-law, Linda (Al) Lawrence. Jim’s family will visit with friends on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 12 to 1pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, NW Grand Rapids, MI 40504. A short service to remember Jim will begin at 1 pm at the funeral home. Memorial gifts in Jim’s honor can be directed to Faith Hospice in appreciation for the supportive care they provided at his time of death. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit Jim’s personal memory page at www.heritagelifestory.com