James Gumowski

James Martin “Gummer” Gumowski, age 71, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away Saturday, September 10, 2022, while in the company of his family. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI in the Spring of 1951 to John and Clara (Haik) Gumowski. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Jr.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Ava Gumowski; his friend and former wife, Renee Bailey; sisters, Janice Brennan, Barbara Gumowski, Mimi (Neal) Brophy, and Mary Miller, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim worked for Steelcase, retiring in 2005. Jim’s first passion in life was his daughter, Ava. He was thrilled to become a father at the age of 42, and adored Ava. He considered her his greatest blessing.

Jim’s other passion in life was riding his motorcycle. He rode Harley Davidsons for 48 years and loved being a member of the Westside Motorcycle Association. His love of riding and exploring new places took him on many adventures to a multitude of destinations far and wide such as out East, out West, up North and down South including numerous places in between. He had a sticker on his 1974 Superglide that summed it up: “I’ve been everywhere”, and that was Jim!

Jim was a kid at heart. He had a gentle, yet stubborn, fun-loving spirit and he loved to entertain Ava, her cousins and friends with magic tricks.

An enthusiastic and excellent photographer, Jim rarely went anywhere without his camera and rolls of extra film. The pictures he took are cherished by those who knew him. Growing up in what he referred to as “Kielbasa Valley,” Jim was proud of his Polish heritage and being a longtime Westsider.

Per his wishes, Jim was cremated. A visitation gathering to visit with Jim’s family will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022, 2-6 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 where a Time of Remembering will begin at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jim’s memory to one of the following charities: Ele’s Place, 2000 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; God’s Kitchen, 303 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids, MI 49506; The Salvation Army, 1215 Fulton St E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or to Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, 2900 Wilson Ave SW # 500, Grandville, MI 49418. To share a favorite memory of Jim and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.