Jim Rose

Loving, steadfast, and deeply committed, James “Jim” Frederick Rose lived a life rich in family and friends. Practical and disciplined, Jim always had a song to sing and a project to complete. He was a man who embraced each day as a gift and who treasured nothing more than quality time spent with those he loved. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jim will long be missed by those he loved.

The beginning of 1929 continued to ride the decade’s roaring wave of peace, prosperity, and hope. The nation celebrated the recent inventions of Penicillin, the iron lung, bubble gum, and the Yo-Yo, as well as Charles Lindbergh’s Congressional Medal of Honor and Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. As the wave of sweeping social and economic growth rapidly increased nowhere was their more hope for the future than in Grand Rapids, Michigan as Henry and Viola (Palmer) Rose welcomed their son Jim into their hearts and home on June 10.

Growing up in Grand Rapids during the 30s and 40s, Jim’s early years formed the firm foundation upon which he built the rest of his life. While his father worked as a furniture upholsterer for several furniture manufacturers, his mother was a homemaker. Jim enjoyed the good companionship of his brother Gordon. Together, they shared many wonderful childhood memories at 1217 Chatam, which lead to a lifetime of friendship.

After graduating from Union High School with the class of 1947, Jim married his beloved Shirley. He and Shirley met in high school and began their 63 years of marriage on December 29, 1948. Jim built their first home on Collindale, where they resided for the first five years of their marriage. Their oldest son, Michael was born after their first year of marriage, The young family moved to South Division Street in White Hall due to Jim's plastering career. Sons, David and Bryan joined the family during this time that totaled eight years. The family then lived in Grand haven for two and a half years before returning to Grand Rapids for the rest of his days. His sons were Jim’s pride, and though he was a strict father, he was also loving, solid, and an undauntable stand for each of them. The boys knew his high expectations and discipline were gifts generated from his deep faith in their capacity for greatness.

A strong role model, Jim had a plastering business in his younger years. Later he joined Consumers Energy where he worked a 30-year career. Shirley tended the home until the boys were in school when she went to work as a bank teller. Jim understood the importance of balancing hard work with leisure and exploration. He and Shirley took the boys on many adventures including pulling a pop-up camper to all the national parks.

Jim possessed a deep love of the outdoors as well as a love for singing. He and his brother, who lived only two blocks from each other, spent many a day fishing the local lakes and rivers. Over the years, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing near Irons, Michigan where he relished in time outdoors. Jim was also an active member of the First Evangelical Covenant Church where he enthusiastically joined voices with his fellowship in celebration of his faith. Not only did Jim sing with the church choir, but he also sang in the church quartet for many, many years.

A man who found great joy in the simple things, Jim cherished holidays spent with extended family, taking photos of his family members, cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Lions, traveling to all 50 states, and grabbing a meal at Mr. Burger. After retiring at the age of 62 he and Shirley wintered in Arizona and Florida for many years. There they shared time with their dear friends Jerry and Miriam whom they first met at Covenant Church. They also enjoyed adventures by Airstream trailers, and epic trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean Islands.

A very caring man, Jim’s devotion to his bride was most evident during her final years as she battled many health challenges. With unwavering support, Jim lovingly tended to Shirley until her death in March of 2011. While the loss of Shirley was tremendous, Jim did the hard work of continuing to live each day to the fullest. Whether singing his favorite Gospel songs or pursuing his latest woodworking endeavors, Jim found gratitude for his blessings. The greatest of these was his grandchildren, who truly were his heart’s delight. In each of their eyes, he could easily see the spark of his legacy as well as his greatest hopes for the future.

Clearly, it is difficult to imagine life in the absence of Jim’s steadfast presence. May it afford comfort to know that with each cast of our line, song we sing from our heart, adventure taken, and holiday shared, we celebrate the many ways we were gifted by this good man. Revered by many, Jim’s legacy of strength, determination, and love will long live in the hearts and lives of those who were blessed to know him.

James F. Rose of Grand Rapids, MI, Age 90, passed away on September 17, 2019. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Shirley Rose; and brother, Gordon Rose. Jim is survived by his sons, Michael (Barbara) Rose of Houghton, David (Julie) Rose of Wasilla, Ak; Bryan (Mary) Rose of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Emily (Matt Chambers) Rose, Kathryn (Allison Little) Rose, Jamie (Erica) Rose, Kristofer (Amy) Rose, Jason (Sara) Rose, Erika (Rian) Morgan, Stephanie (Damon) Brown; and 13 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 26, 2019, at 11 AM at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd NW. Friends may visit with family Wednesday from 5-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Memorials may be made to First Evangelical Covenant Church Music Program. Please visit Jim's web page to read more of his life story, leave a memory or condolence at www.heritagelifestory.com.