James Boonstra

James Boonstra was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather.

Born on May 31, 1912 to Menno and Janie (Koopman) Boonstra, James was one of five children.

While growing up in what was called Walker Township at the time, James attended Millpond School through the 8th grade. He had quite a reputation of being “a real joker.”

He was a member of Richmond Reformed Church where he learned the fundamentals of Christianity and met his future wife, Wilhelmina Beimers.

Their friendship blossomed into a romance and they were married on December 8, 1933. They began their married life together on the West Side, moving in 1943 to the Marne Area on a thirty acre “Gentleman’s Farm.” Their marriage lasted sixty-one years during which time they raised twelve children.

James worked many jobs over the years to support his family. He was a truck driver for Reliable Cartage, a farm hand, a janitor at South High School and made wooden flats for greenhouse plants. He also volunteered his time at Berlin Baptist Church as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent and church deacon.

After retiring in 1973, James and Wilhelmina built a home in the Upper Peninsula on Gulliver Lake, where James enjoyed bear hunting until the age of eighty. Four years later they moved to Allendale in western Michigan to be closer to their family. It was here at the age of seventy that James proudly graduated from high school with his GED.

James was a reader, a woodworker and a photographer. He created a unique collection of barn photographs and knew the story behind each one. James played golf until the age of ninety-four and could still score better than his children!

James’ beloved wife passed away in 1994. While it was a difficult time, he did enjoy getting out and talking to other people.

James moved into the Christian Rest Home when he needed more care. He still enjoyed going out for a ride to get some coffee.

James was called home May 7, 2008 to be with the Lord and his wife Wilhelmina. Surviving are his children: Ray and Marilyn Boonstra, Doris and Ed Schuiling, Dennis and Joyce Boonstra, Elaine and Duane Binney, Esther and Ladd LeBlond, Judith Smith, Ardith and Don Koster, Marvin and Louise Boonstra, Larry and Joyce Boonstra, Susan and Gary Gerbers, Timothy and Judith Boonstra, James and Sue Boonstra; 35 grandchildren, 76 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren, his sisters-in-law Charlotte Beimers and Evelyn Scherpenisse and several nieces and nephews. Funeral and committal services will be held Saturday at 11 A.M. at the Berlin Baptist Church, Marne, with Rev. Dennis Boonstra and Rev. Jeff Gunderman officiating. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Mr. Boonstra reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. where relatives and friends may meet his family Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Lake Ann Camp or the Mel Trotter Ministries would be appreciated. To share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com