James "Jim" Allen VanderWel

James Allen VanderWel, age 79 of Grand Haven, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at North Ottawa Community Hospital. Jim was born on May 11, 1942 in Muskegon, MI to the late James and Elizabeth (Dewall) VanderWel. He married Judy Maring on August 26, 1965, and she preceded him in death on December 5, 2018 after 53 years of marriage.

Jim was a former member of First Reformed Church, was current member of Summit Church, and a chaplain with the Forgotten Man Ministries. He enjoyed sports, especially football and basketball, which he played in high school. Jim also served as a basketball referee for MHSAA for 30 years. He loved spending time with his wife, Judy, traveling together and spending time with their grandchildren.

Jim is remembered and missed by his daughter, Julie (Beukema) VanderWel of Caledonia, MI; his son, Greg (Beth) VanderWel of Schaumburg, IL; his four beloved grandchildren: Brooke and Abigal Beukema, Emma and Ava VanderWel; sisters in law, Nancy (Steve) VanderLip, Sue (Dave) Vanrandwyk, and Debbie (Greg) Teerman; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; and twin sister, Janice Eckstein.

The Celebration of Life for Jim will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Summit Church (15020 Stanton St., West Olive, MI) with Pastor Jasper Swaney officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Church.

For those unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed through the church's website, starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8th. Please go to: https://summitwestolive.org/live to view.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Forgotten Man Ministries.

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