John Kamp

John Kamp was born on August 30, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Johannes "John" and Cornelia (Sporte) Kamp. He was the oldest of nine children and the family lived in the near north side of the city and they would typically walk to church.

John experienced a typical childhood in many aspects, but twice was very sick with rheumatic fever. He attended Hastings Street School. After he graduated, his parents moved to a farm on 32nd Street. John began raising chickens and selling eggs while living on that farm. He met Joan Vogel and the two married on June 12, 1952. The couple bought a 40 acre farm on Baldwin in Jenison that included a farm house and barn. For the next 21 years, John would continue in the chicken and egg business.

During this time, the family grew to include 8 children, who all helped out on the farm. Since eggs had to be collected twice a day, there was little time for vacations. He also had an egg route, delivering three days a week to households and businesses in addition to selling the eggs from home. John was meticulous in his records and procedures in whatever he did.

In the mid 1970's, John sold his business as the trend was to the large producers. He worked for a few years at Ottawa Roof Truss, but had to leave because of issues with his back. He then worked for Nationwide Truck Brokers for about 15 years before retiring just short of his 70th birthday. John and Joan lived in their original home for 62 years. In 2014, they moved to Oakcrest Assisted Living in Jenison.

Throughout his years, John was a man of few words. He enjoyed working in his garden and reading history and religious books. Much of his social time was with his large family and extended family, and in later years he and Joan would occasionally travel to see distant family. He and Joan remained members of First Netherlands Reformed Congregation.

John Kamp, age 95 of Jenison passed away November 24, 2017. He was preceded in death by his brother, Peter Kamp. John is survived by his wife, Joan; children Kay & Paul McSherry, John Kamp, Joyce Bono, Ruth & John Gibson, Thomas & Helen Kamp, William & Paige Kamp, Marilyn Kamp, Deborah & Mike Kiekover; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers and sisters Gertrude Westrate, Jane (Daniel) DeMeester, Helen Kamp, Martina (George) Feyter, Richard (Ruth) Kamp, Henry (Lena) Kamp, Ada (Henry) Bloem; sister-in-law Emeline Kamp as well as several other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 10 AM at First Netherlands Reformed Congregation, 1261 Beckwith Ave NE. Interment to follow in Georgetown Township Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with John's family on Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Plymouth Christian School or Plymouth Christian School Foundation.