Jacob "Jake" Michael Bouman

Jacob “Jake” Michael Bouman, age 24 of Spring Lake, passed away October 6, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. He was born on May 24, 1996 in Grand Haven, MI to Michael and Linda (Berns) Bouman.

Jake graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 2014, and went on to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University, minoring in Art. While attending the Semester at Sea Program, he traveled to 11 Countries within four months.  Jake continued to travel through internships; from studying architecture in Barcelona, Spain, to helping design a school in Dominican Republic. He also lived in the wilderness; hiking and climbing in Colorado, Wyoming, and Alaska for two months through the "Outward Bound" program. Through his travels, Jake made life-long, world-wide friends.

He worked at the Dee-Lite Bar & Grill, and Bosgraaf Construction, helping to build custom homes. Jake was a member of the Spring Lake Yacht Club who enjoyed sailing and being out on the water as much as possible. He was always a good helper and friend to many, and he could always be found spending time with a group of friends.

What a beautiful difference a single life can make. Jake’s curiosity and exuberance for life filled his twenty-four years with countless adventures all over the world. The greatest treasures from his travels were the photos he took of people of all ages and cultures that were filled with the biggest smiles. Smiles surely inspired by Jake’s own. He truly spread joy wherever he went whether it was the beaches of Ghana, the crowded streets of Tokyo or a peaceful mountain top in his beloved Upper Peninsula. These experiences fueled his creativity that will live on forever through his art. Although Jake’s time on Earth was cut far too short, he filled every moment he could with laughter and love.

Jake loved his travels, but he always held his family and friends closest to him. His childhood growing up on Spring Lake led to him feeling the most alive outside. He rarely sat still but would rather fill his days with boats, boards and lacrosse sticks. His passion for lacrosse provided his family with prideful memories and lifelong friendships. Jake always found a way to surround himself with people that were full of life and laughter… and always could lighten the mood with a goofy dance. From the U.P. trees to the Spring Lake breeze, Jake reminds us he is still here. Through all the laughter, tears, sorrow and joy, his spirit lives strong though our loving memories.

“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” – Danny Kaye.

Jake was a master artist of life.

Jake will be lovingly missed by his parents, Michael and Linda; sister, Meg Bouman; paternal grandmother, Coral Bouman; maternal grandfather, William Berns; aunts and uncles, Sue (Jeff) Gogulski, Brad (Linda) Bouman, Rick (Lisa) Berns, Bill Berns; many cousins; and several close friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Joyce Berns in August of 2020 and his paternal grandfather, Robert Bouman in November 2003.

The Celebration of Life/Funeral Service for Jake will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at All Shores Wesleyan Church, Spring Lake with Pastor Peter Yoshonis officiating. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service, from 12 to 2 pm at the church. Social distancing and masks will be required.

The Celebration of Life Service will be livestreamed at: https://allshoreswesleyanchurch.online.church/

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Jake Bouman Memorial Fund C/O Mike and Linda Bouman, 1500 Robbins Rd., Grand Haven, MI 49417. 

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