James “Jim” Franklin VanderMolen

James “Jim” Franklin VanderMolen, age 86 of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at home. He was born on September 3, 1934 in Nunica, MI to the late John and Catherine (Ellens) VanderMolen. Jim married Joan Wygmans on April 23, 1955 and she preceded him in death in 1997.

Jim worked for the Grand Haven Board of Light and Power for 48 years, from 1953 until his retirement in 2001. He served three six-year terms on the board and finished serving in 2018.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish, a Golden Age Lifetime member of the Grand Haven Eagles, Aerie 925, and member of the Sunset Cruiser Car Club.

He enjoyed working on his 1950 red Ford Convertible and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, and was a familiar face at the Rendezvous, where he would go out for breakfast with his buddies often.

Jim was a people person who loved talking with people and sharing stories of life experiences. He will be missed by so many who knew him.

Jim is lovingly remembered and missed by his daughter, Cheri Eshenaur of Grand Haven, and his sister, Rita (Chuck) Ponder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; brothers, Jack, Louie, and George VanderMolen; sister, Catherine Goodwin; son-in-law, Bruce Eshenaur; and close friend, Carol Fuerst.

The Funeral Mass for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021 at St. Patrick-St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish, with Fr. Charles Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Masks and Social Distancing will be required at all services. Interment will take place at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Harbor Humane Society. 

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