James Scholten

Life was so much fun when James Scholten was around as he liked to have a good time. He certainly worked hard throughout his life, but he played just as hard and was drawn toward anything that had a motor. A dedicated father, Jim was a good provider for the children he treasured more than life itself. He was friendly and outgoing with a great sense of humor to boot. Although Jim’s friends and family will miss him dearly, they will be forever grateful for the moments they were given to share with such a remarkable man.

The sixties were an eventful decade in America as the civil rights movement continued to gain momentum with Dr. Martin Luther King leading the way. Race riots were on the rise and in some cases, the National Guard was needed to bring back law and order. Inflation grew as an effect of funding the war in Vietnam, and both the United States and the Soviet Union continued in their space race to land a man on the moon. It was during this unprecedented time that there was great celebration in the family of Lee and Cecile (Meyering) Scholten as they were blessed with the birth of their son, James, on January 19, 1966.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, James was the youngest of three children in his family joining older sisters Linda and Gail. When he was very young, his family moved from Leffingwell NE to Lamberton Street where Jim spent the remainder of his formative years. He attended local schools including Wellerwood Elementary and Riverside Junior High where he participated in a few different sports. As a young boy Jim liked to ride dirt bikes and was also interested in NASCAR racing, developing a passion for motors that would remain with him throughout his entire life. As a high school student at Creston High School, Jim’s interest in cars led him to enroll in classes at the Kent Skills Learning Center where he learned the trade of auto body work.

After graduating from high school in 1984, Jim went to work in a factory for a short time before he was laid off. He was able to find work a short time later, however, doing body work for Kent A.M.C. Jim’s career path took him to a few different places over the years that followed. From Kent A.M.C. he went to work for Southtown Chrysler Jeep followed by VanAndel & Flikkema Chrysler Jeep where he worked in the parts department. Some time later, Jim went to K & M Northfield Dodge and most recently, he worked as the parts manager for Grand Chrysler of Lowell.

It wasn’t only his work that was important to Jim, but also the people in his life. While working at VanAndel & Flikkema, he met a co-worker named Barb McCuaig whom he began dating. After falling in love, the couple was married in Grand Haven in 1993. Together they raised Jim’s son, Nicholas, and they were later blessed to become parents to their wonderful daughter, Paige. Jim was an attentive father who worked hard to provide for his family. He and Barb worked opposite schedules so that one of them could always be home with the children. Jim was active in his children’s lives, regularly attending both their school activities and sporting events. He was even known to volunteer at his children’s school, helping out wherever and whenever he could. One of Jim’s favorite things to do with his children was to play frisbee golf together. These were always some of their best times where the fun and laugher were plentiful. Although Jim’s marriage ended in divorce in 2000, he continued to care for his family.

One of Jim’s greatest loves was the outdoors along with many different outdoor activities. When he wasn’t working, he was often found fishing. In fact, it was said that Jim would fish wherever there was water. Not only did he enjoy the sport, but he was a pretty good fisherman as well. Jim also enjoyed camping, but only in the true sense of the word. As far as he was concerned, camping was only camping if it was rustic with no one else around. He regularly took his family camping and both national and state forest campgrounds were among his favorite places. They also lived in a secluded area. Nicholas even joked that their nearest neighbor mooed since they lived next to a pasture – just the way Jim liked it. He additionally rode dirt bikes from time to time.

There were so many attributes that made Jim such a special man. He liked to have a good time and was easy to talk to. Jim enjoyed spending time with others and made friends easily. He especially liked to tease his nieces and nephews and they liked to give it right back. Jim had a sunny disposition and a warm demeanor, and was truly a joy to be around.

Life was not without challenges for Jim though. In 2004 he became ill and in 2006, he underwent major surgery. Over the years that followed, Jim had his ups and downs and during the last few weeks, Jim’s health required hospitalization, and he was unable to recover.

James Scholten was a fun-loving, free spirited sort of man who loved life. He liked spending time with his family and was known to tease others at times, all in the name of fun. Jim was a dedicated father who made time to have a great time with his children as often as time allowed. He leaves behind a collection of memories that will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind.

James L. Scholten of Belding died on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Jim’s family includes his children: Nicholas Scholten, Paige Scholten, his children’s mother Barb Scholten, his parents Lee and Cecile Scholten, his sisters and brothers-in-law Linda (Dave) Gritter, Gail (Wolfgang) Roth, his good friend Joe Zimmerman, as well as uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van Strien – Grand Rapids, MI, 1833 Plainfield N.E. with Rev. Gerald Vander Velde of Oakview Community Church officiating. Interment will be in Richland Township Cemetery, Lucas, MI. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home Monday from 4-9 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.