Jim Jett

A true hero in many respects, Jim Jett was a beloved man by his family and those who came to know him. From meager beginnings, Jim forged ahead in life and added much to the lives around him. He lived with a quiet faith, yet that very faith was the foundation for which he lived. Gone but never to be forgotten, the memory of Jim Jett lives on in the hearts of those who called him father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

With a new and evolving mindset, the decade of the 1920s brought forth times of plenty along with years of hardship. The earlier part of the infamous Roaring Twenties, with new innovations, technological advances, and changing culture left many struggling in the later part of the decade. However, the year 1923 was an especially happy time in the lives of Marshall and Laura (Foster) Jett. Born in Childress, Texas, they welcomed their youngest son, James into their hearts on April 8, 1923.

Jim's father was a hard working farmer while his mother looked after their household as a homemaker. The arrival of Jim was also a welcome addition for his two brothers and sister who were 15 years older than Jim. Life for the Jett family turned into a time of sorrow when Jim's father sadly died. Only a year old, Jim would now grow up without a father to coach and love him. Even though his mother and siblings kept their family farm going, it meagerly sustained them.

On rare occasions, Jim's family ventured away from the work on the farm to visit relatives, but they never enjoyed any travel or vacations. Barely making ends meet, the onset of the Great Depression only added more struggles to their already frugal hardships. When Jim's school was going on a fun-filled picnic, his poor family could not come up with the ten cents which he needed to go; it was a blessing when his teacher paid his way.

Jim attended the local schools and played football in high school which was a highlight for him. In 2000, he and his son made a trip to Texas and Jim revisited the football field where he played so many years earlier. Walking the field alongside his son brought back joyful memories. For many years, he kept in contact with his team members. Jim went on to graduate from White Deer High School in 1941. After high school, he continued to work the farm and also drove truck for an oil company in the oil fields.

Jim met the love of his life, Jeanne after being introduced by her cousin. They dated for a brief time, and Jim was smitten from the start. However, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jim felt the call to duty and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He and Jeanne corresponded while he was in the service, for a time.

It was during Jim's 12th raid when life as he knew it forever changed. His plane was shot down over France, yet Jim made sure everyone cleared the plane before he jumped. He nearly paid the ultimate sacrifice when upon landing he discovered his flight suit had been charred. For 22 long months, Jim was a prisoner of war in Austria. The Germans gave the prisoners just enough to survive, and no more. For these grueling months, Barracks 17B was "home" for Jim. Although it could have been easily likened to that of "Hogan's Heroes", there was never enough food, no privileges, and certainly no warm leather jackets. Jim made a vow that he would never go cold and hungry again. By the time he and his comrades were freed by U.S. troops at the war's end, Jim had lost 50 pounds.

When Jim returned to the states he was stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan. With a weekend pass in hand, he and Jeanne traveled to Traverse City and were happily married in September of 1946. Making Grand Rapids, Michigan their new home, they lived on Emerald Street NE for a short time before buying a duplex on Crescent Street. They lived on one side of the duplex while Jeanne's parents lived in the other. It really came in handy having her parents there, especially when they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Jim and John. The boys always thought it was great having their grandparents live right next door.

In the 1950s, Jim began working for the U.S. Postal Service and provided a good life for his family working as a postal carrier. They eventually built a new home on Charlotte Street NW where many family memories were made and where Jim lived until the last of his days.

Many treasured times were shared over the years as a family renting cottages up north for fun-filled vacations. They traveled to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, made a trip through the Rocky Mountains as well as other memorable destinations. Jim was active in various sports and volunteered for Rocket football and baseball, especially when the boys were young. He loved teaching sports to kids. For many years he was a member of several bowling leagues and enjoyed playing golf.

Jim appreciated various types of food. He especially loved a good burrito. He loved his hot sauce, and the hotter the better! Jim favored fried chicken and liked cooking out on the grill. He made a mean chili, but it had to have the right amount of hot sauce. In his free time, Jim took an interest in collecting stamps and coins. When it came to music, he preferred country.

Once Jim retired in 1983, he and Jeanne traveled afar. They visited England and Russia, and also traveled around the states. Jeanne was a teacher, so they quite often traveled with the Elderhostel program. Designed for senior citizens offering travel and educational excursions around the world, Jim and Jeanne experienced much through this opportunity.

Jim lived his life in quiet faith. His faith, however, was the foundation of his daily life. Jim experienced much throughout his lifetime, but his focus was always centered on his love for family. He overcame numerous life obstacles, but his heart remained true to those he loved deeply. Sadly missed, the life of Jim Jett will be lovingly recalled each time warm thoughts of him come to mind.

Mr. James L. Jett, aged 90 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne. Surviving are his sons, James (Lynne) Jett and John (Evonne Sandona) Jett; grandchildren, Heather Bunn and James C. (Stacy) Jett; and great-grandchildren, Brennen, Seth, Jada, and James. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to view Jim's Life Story film, share a favorite memory and photo and to sign his online guest book.