James Frieling Olthoff

James "Jim" Frieling Olthoff, age 85, of Spring Lake, MI, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 8, 1940, in Muskegon, MI, to Henry Kenneth and Lula May (Frieling) Olthoff.

Jim was a proud graduate of Muskegon High School (Go Big Reds!). Jim married his high school sweetheart, Ruthann Hartman, on July 23, 1960, in Muskegon. He then received his business degree from Western Michigan University and joined his father's business, becoming a partner in Nichol's Paper and Supply Company. He and his brother, Michael Olthoff, owned and operated the business for many years. Jim retired in 1995.

Jim and Ruthann raised their family in the Tri-cities, and they were members of St. John's Episcopal Church in Grand Haven for 55 years. He served on the church finance committee and was a vestry member, an usher, and a recipient of the Bishop Service Cross. Jim also belonged to the Muskegon Lions Club where he served as president.

Jim and Ruthann enjoyed extensive travel to 50 states and 25 countries with family and dear friends. He treasured his time at the family cottage on Upper Silver Lake, MI for 50+ years and enjoyed spending winters in Naples, FL for 40 years. He was an active member of the YMCA and former member of the Spring Lake Country Club. Later in life, he enjoyed reading, puzzles, and doing crossword puzzles; but most of all he loved playing Crazy Rum. Jim treasured family time, getting together with their many friends and he was very grateful for the opportunities, travel and life he lived.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruthann; his daughter, Kelly (Doug) Suchecki and their children, Adam (Jackie) Suchecki and Molly (Cody) Jones; his son, Greg (Lori) Olthoff and their children: Travis DeMars, Caleb (Ellie) Olthoff, and Sierra (Carl) Johnson; and daughter, Holly (Dan) Streng and their children, Jacob (Dayna) Streng and Anna Streng. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren: Oliver, Charlotte, Quinn, Caroline, Margaret, Ethan, Wes, and Cooper; his brother, Michael (Kay) Olthoff; brother-in-law, Don McGuire; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Linda McGuire; and brothers-in-law, Jim and Jeff Hartman.

The Memorial Service for Jim will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. John's Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Jared C. Cramer officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation-Greatest Need Fund, or the Tri-Cities YMCA-Building Fund.

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