James "Jim" Van Ess

Hardworking, fun, and adventurous, James "Jim" Van Ess lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Jim loved the outdoors and was happiest sharing life's adventures with his loved ones. Whether at work, on the lake, in the woods, or at home, Jim welcomed each day as a gift and treasured life's simple pleasures. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jim will long be remembered and dearly missed.

Born on the West side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jim's family moved several times during his childhood because his father bought and sold homes. The youngest of three, Jim enjoyed the good company of his older sisters, Lenore and Norma, and fell in love with hunting and fishing at a young age. He especially enjoyed fishing at his parents' cabin on Hamlin Lake. Jim's father started Vanorden and Van Ess construction in 1927, and Jim started working for him at a young age.

Jim began his education at Oakley Elementary and later attended Union High School, where he played football. A fast runner, he proudly wore number 22 and enjoyed the honor of playing All-State with his teammates a few times. Jim graduated with the class of 1955 and continued working with his dad.

Though he first met his wife, Marilyn "Mare" Jonker, in high school, Jim began dating her after graduation. A powerful example of opposites attract, Jim and Mare shared an immediate connection and built their relationship on humor, fun, and laughter over the next year of dating. With their hearts set on sharing the future, Jim and Mare married at Richmond Reformed Church on October 24, 1958, officially beginning their 66-year adventure.

Following a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, the newlyweds settled into their first home on Richmond Street in Grand Rapids. While Jim worked to provide for his family, Mare dedicated herself to caring for their home and growing family. Jim and Mare were overjoyed to welcome their two children, Lori and James "Toby," into their lives.

While working for his dad's construction company, Jim also worked at Water Wonderland Boat Company, where he helped build and sell the first fiberglass boat in the area. Over time, the company that his father started grew to include Sub-surface Construction, Van Ess Construction, and Utility Contracting, and Jim became the owner and operator of all three. It was a proud day when Jim welcomed his son, Tobi, into the business, and an even prouder moment when Tobi took over the business upon Jim's retirement in 2000.

A born outdoorsman, Jim loved fishing and hunting, deer, rabbits, pheasants, moose, and more. He raised hunting dogs for years and continued to love his time on Hamlin Lake, where he sometimes even got paid to be a guide. Many hunting and fishing trips were enjoyed, especially several trips out west to Wyoming, Colorado, and British Columbia, Canada. For 30 years, he consistently traveled to South Dakota, taking his kids and grandkids with him. He also enjoyed fishing while on a few Alaskan cruises. Nothing gave Jim more pleasure and comfort than spending time with his family if it was watching a Detroit Lions or Tigers game, sharing fishing and hunting stories or just relaxing with family is where Jim felt the most comfort and enjoyed his time.

An active member of both the 7th Reformed and Richmond Reformed churches, Jim lived his entire life in Northwest Grand Rapids. He also enjoyed his home on Anna Maria Island in Florida. In 2019, he moved into Porter Hills. When he needed more skilled care, he later moved to StoryPoint Forest Hills.

As we celebrate Jim's life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we confidently face life's challenges, enjoy a family trip, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, and share a hearty laugh with our beloved, we keep Jim's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

James "Jim" R. Van Ess, age 88, passed away in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 31, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Van Ess; his son-in-law, Kevin Faulk; and his sisters, Lenore Kniff and Norma Peterson.

Jim is survived by his son, James "Toby" (Jodi) Van Ess, and daughter, Lori Van Ess-Faulk. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kaley (Travis) Laug, Kody (Kara) Faulk, Cassidy (Dan) Akubu, and Christian (Savanna) Van Ess; great-grandchildren, Piper, Mack, Zane, and James; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim had been a longtime, active member of Richmond Reformed Church.

A celebration of Jim's life, followed by a reception, has been scheduled to take place at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt-Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Jim will be laid to rest next to his wife at Rosedale Memorial Park in Grand Rapids, MI.

Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Mason County Reformed Church, 45 S. Amber Rd. Scottville, MI 49454. To sign Jim's guestbook, share a memory or condolence message, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com