John Collier

With a servant's heart, John Collier lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Always a giver, John was compassionate, quick to loan things out, and the first to volunteer to help. It was always about doing what was right. Embodying the principles of his faith, John encouraged others to "Call on Jesus" and proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, John will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

1955 proved a year of vibrant growth, with consumerism taking off in previously unimaginable ways. With the sale of nearly 7.9 million cars, for the first time in history, seven out of ten families in the US owned an automobile, and new laws were created to require seat belts to be installed on all new cars. This was the year Ray Kroc built the first McDonald's, and TV dinners appeared, including the first fish fingers. Cans of Coca-Cola, Lego, Velcro, and The Mickey Mouse Club all made their debuts during this prosperous year, while Rock and Roll music continued to grow in popularity with more idols, including Elvis Presley, Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry, and The Platters. For John and Eleanor (Roggow) Collier, this time of hope and plenty grew especially bright as they welcomed their son, John Edward Collier II, to their family on May 20 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up on the northwest side of Grand Rapids on Benning, NW, John enjoyed the good company of his older sister Coleen and younger brother Jim. Life became more difficult when John's father left the family when John was 9 years old. A good kid, John spent a lot of time with his siblings as his mother worked to provide for the family. Grandma Winters was very important in their life, providing much love and support.

John attended Grand Rapids Public Schools. As a student at Union High School, he also took classes in construction trades at Kent Career Tech Center. Like many young men of his generation, John explored camping and a bit of hunting, but once he discovered motorcycles, he found his lifelong passion. He first loved trail riding and then fell in love with full-size motorcycles.

Also, during his high school years, John started working at Zody's, a department store on Leonard. Though shy and reserved, a young lady named Debra Jewell took an interest in him there. After about a year, he finally asked her out. Unfortunately, he ruined the car in the car wash on the way to pick her up in his new Nova SS. Despite the car disaster putting a damper on the evening, John and Debra continued dating, and a couple of years later, on May 31, 1975, the happy couple married at St. John's United Church of Christ. The celebration continued with a honeymoon to Florida and Disney World.

The newlyweds returned to West Michigan and settled into a few apartments before buying their first home on Sinclair, NE. Later on, they moved to Fuller and finally settled on Mayfield. John hated moving and was happy to be home on Mayfield for the next 29 years. A very handy man, who didn't like to sit still, John's handiwork is all over the house - from finishing the basement to remodeling the kitchen.

John and Deb were blessed with two children, Jennifer and Josh, who were the centers of John's world. He was a wonderful dad who enjoyed helping with dinners, making the kids' lunches, waking the kids up in the morning, and encouraging them at every turn. The family enjoyed many summer vacations, including going to Disney, camping in Pentwater, renting cottages, and later on staying in Ludington. He also brought the family to his mom's cottage on Middle Lake, but true to his nature, he spent more time fixing things than relaxing while they were there.

John first began attending church with Deb while they were dating. His faith grew tremendously through the early years and became his guiding light for the rest of his life. John was able to lead his children in developing their own faith in the Lord and was deeply involved in their church. For over 35 years, he taught Sunday school and spent time as a deacon. In the last few years, he has helped with Trail Life, a Christian outdoor adventure, character, and leadership program for boys and young men. He was also known to sing loudly at church, proclaiming he was making "a joyful noise," but anyone sitting with him came to know his heart was much better than his pitch. Never one to be afraid to share his faith, John even welcomed opportunities to talk to those on street corners, buying them a meal or tank of gas while to encourage the conversation.

John would likely have said that the best trip he ever went on was any trip he made on his motorcycle. Though he had a few different kinds and enjoyed his trail bikes, he loved his Hondas, particularly his Gold Wings. He bought Deb a trail bike so they could explore the trails together, and he enjoyed many trips on his bikes - some with Debra on the back and many with their longtime friends. Even driving to work was an adventure when the weather was right, and he could ride his motorcycle.

Through the years, John had a few different jobs, including working at a fireplace store shortly after he and Deb married and then for Label Tape for about 17 years. For a time, he worked at Plainfield Lumber and Gill Manufacturing before working for the last years of his career at Kent Manufacturing.

John and Deb were blessed to spend time with grandchildren. John loved holding the little ones and actively played with them as they grew older. Whether tossing a ball around, playing games, or working puzzles, he delighted in their good company. John encouraged them in all their endeavors and relished attending their special events, showing his love and support. John also preferred a few close friends, and he and Deb were blessed with some longtime friends, including Mike and Heidi Hanson and Andy and Judy Taylor. The couples shared a lot of life together.

Those closest to John know that he had strong convictions and could be a bit opinionated. And while his short temper would show through, it was always clear he had a lot of passion. Sadly, about 3 years ago, John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease - a progression he did not accept well. Looking back, his family recognizes the signs were evident several years before that. With loving care and commitment, Deb cared for him in their home, where John passed away with his family around him.

As we celebrate John's life, may we find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we choose faith, hope, and love, freely give of ourselves in service of those in need, ensure our loved ones' comfort, and enjoy a ride with our beloved, we celebrate the countless ways John gifted our lives. In this way, we keep his memory alive and inspiring others as he inspired us.

John Collier, age 69, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 29, 2024. John is survived by his wife, Debra; his children (and grandchildren), Jennifer & Andy Venema (Ava, Ayden, Anderson), Josh & Dana Collier (Jaxson, Elijah, Landon); siblings Coleen & Jack Schutter, Jim Collier; brothers-in-law Larry & Jan Jewell, Dave Frede; as well as nieces and nephews and many close friends.

The service to remember and celebrate John's life will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at 7 PM at Magnify Church Northview, where friends are invited to begin visiting with his family at 5 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Magnify Church (memo Trail Life fund). To read more about John, share a favorite memory or photo, or sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com