James Harkema

James Harkema, aged 90, of East Lansing, MI, gained the victory and went to be with his Lord on March 8, 2006. Born November 3, 1915 in Grand Rapids, MI, Jim was a graduate of Calvin College and received his Ph.D from the University of Illinois, Champaign, in Organic Chemistry. He retired from the Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI in 1986 after 35 years as a research chemist. He was a current member of River Terrace Church and past member of Third Christian Reformed Church of Kalamazoo and the Church of the Servant in Grand Rapids, MI. Jim was a strong supporter of Christian education being instrumental in placing a campus pastor and Christian bookstore on the Western Michigan University campus, obtaining release time for Bible study in public elementary schools, and working for Kalamazoo Christian High School. Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Beatrice; sons, Jim (Mary Ann) Harkema, Jack (Laurie) Harkema both of Okemos, MI; grandchildren, Douglas (Jodi) Harkema of Holt, Dawn (Tom) Wierenga of Byron Center, David (Laura) Harkema of Okemos, Leslie Harkema of the University of Georgia, Athens, and Lindsay Harkema of Washington University, St. Louis, MO; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Elson Harkema of Owosso, Zeets (Verna) Harkema of Grand Rapids, MI; brother-in-law, Merrill Block of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Leone Harkema of Grand Rapids and brother-in-law, Bud (Eileen) Stehouwer of Grand Rapids. A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, March 11, 11 AM at River Terrace Church, 1509 River Terrace Dr., East Lansing, with Pastor Clayton Libolt officiating. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. Friday, March 10 from 6 to 8 PM. Contributions may be made to Christian Services/LOVE INC., Lansing, MI, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI or River Terrace Church, East Lansing, MI.