James Vander Linde

James W. Vander Linde was a compassionate man who lived his life with the end in mind, embracing not only his family, but everyone God placed in his path. He had a deep faith which was evident in every facet of his life. He was a loving father, grandfather, great -grandfather, and brother who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim’s story began on a summer day, June 8, 1923 in Grand Rapids, MI. The 1920’s were known as the “Roaring Twenties” with many drastic changes taking place on many different levels. Leonard and Henrietta (Rikkers) Vander Linde found great joy in the birth of their third child, a son whom they named James.

Jim spent his childhood in Grand Rapids, located in western MI, where his mother was a homemaker and his father was a butcher. Jim attended Plainfield Elementary School and his large family was full of activity, including singing together at various churches.

Jim went on to attend Creston High School but he left in the 11th grade so that he could work to help support his family. His first jobs were at Matt Heinze Grocery, a foundry in Muskegon, and at Sackner Products. A fortunate outcome of his strong work ethic, was that while working at the foundry, a case of pneumonia that he developed kept him out of the draft. It was bittersweet circumstance that kept him out of the military that his brothers so proudly served. His longest job of over 30 years was at Bergsma Brothers Furniture in the shipping and receiving department.

His job at Sackner set the stage for him to see the most beautiful girl working across the street whom he later discovered was an old neighbor from the northeast side of Grand Rapids, Arlene Stehouwer. It was love at first sight and he knew that this would be the woman he would marry.

Jim offered her a ride home, but was denied, which left him to enlist the help of a co-worker to set him up with her. She agreed to a date, and after two years of dating, they became engaged. Their wedding was postponed, however, due to a serious injury that James wanted to recover from so that he could walk down the aisle to greet his bride. The two were finally united in marriage on August 31, 1949.

After the newlyweds honeymooned at Niagara Falls, they returned home to their apartment on the corner of 10th and Jennette. Just a year later, they built a home on Hillmount NW in order to accommodate their future family. They were soon blessed with the birth of Judith in 1951 and James in 1956.

Jim created many lasting memories with his family while his kids were at home. Whether it was the treats he brought home from Knapp Creamery, or taking the kids through to the A & W stand and Mc Donald's drive thru, he was always thinking about his family first. James and Arlene regularly took their children to Ontario, Canada to visit Jim’s sister for a week. They also rented a cottage for a week every summer at Silver Lake. Other memorable family trips were to Wisconsin Dells, Niagara Falls and the Smokey Mountains.

Jim was an active father who attended all of his son Jim’s sporting events while he was in high school. He taught his children the true meaning of the word selfless as they always knew that they were loved and that their father was completely devoted to his family.

Jim did have some things that he really enjoyed. He loved to fish even though he didn’t have a boat or even know how to swim! He also was known for woodworking down in his “doghouse” in the basement, where he made everything from wood pieces for church activities to spoon racks. He engaged his mind doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles. His sharp mind earned him the title of a “Walking Atlas! He treasured his regular “coffee times” at Mr. Burger with some guys from work that he had gathered together. He had a quick wit that often resulted in him joking around with those he considered his friends.

Jim also enjoyed the simple things in life. He would often take his son to Rogers Plaza. It was inevitable that he came across someone he knew which resulted in a conversation. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to know people and their extended family. It wasn’t surprising with his genuine concern for others and zest for life, that he always seemed to know everyone! He called home every day at noon to check in and to see how the family was doing.

Jim was a loyal and active member of West Leonard CRC where he was a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member and involved in various men’s groups. He read his Bible and had devotions every day and his routine devotions after each meal left a lasting impression on his children and later his grandchildren.

A role that Jim embraced later in life, was that of grandfather. He and Arlene were active grandparents who made sure that they saw their grandkids often and enjoyed having sleepovers. They even attended many of their grandchildren’s sporting events.

Jim retired from the furniture industry at age 62 where he willingly and tirelessly worked on his feet despite his earlier injury to his feet and legs. Retirement allowed him to volunteer his time both for his church and at the Christian Rest Home where he would push residents in wheelchairs to their haircut appointments.

Jim again sacrificed his own needs, to take care of his beloved Arlene for three years; running the household until his hip replacement made this too difficult. Theirs had always been a marriage that exhibited the true definition of love, but was again evident after Arlene moved to the Edison Assited Living so she could be closer to Jim. He would visit her daily, staying into the evening; together they enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Jim was passionate about the things he believed in. His most important desire was that all of his children and grandchildren would be able to have a Christian education. He and his wife were thrilled to see this most important desire come to fruition.

James W. Vander Linde was an engaging, hardworking, and positive man who was concerned only with the things that he felt really mattered; family, friends, and living his life for the Lord. He was content with what he had, realizing that true contentment comes from within. James, together with his wife of 57 years, left a legacy of love for generations to follow. His family and friends will strive to give the same love and legacy to those he leaves behind.

James W. Vander Linde, died on November 2, 2008. Jim’s family includes his children; Judith (Terry) Lanning and James B. Vander Linde; grandchildren, Jeffrey K. Lanning, Jason (Rachel) J. Lanning, Rhonda R. Lanning, and Rachel M. Lanning and Jacob M. Zalewski, great-grandchildren, Rosalyn Jade Zalewski, Ethan Daniel Lanning, and Eliza Joy Lanning. Also surviving are his sisters, Martha Bel and Patricia (C. Francis) Ryan; brother-in-law, Adrian Stehouwer; sisters-in-law, Mary Vander Linde, Melvina Vander Linde, Gerry (Louis) Dykstra, Doris Vander Linde, and Vivian VandenBrink; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Arlene.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Alt & Shawmut - Grand Rapids, MI.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service.

Please visit James’s memorial page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to West Side Christian School or Christian Rest Home.