H. James "Jim" Wierenga's Obituary
H. James “Jim” Wierenga, age 91, of Grand Haven passed away Thursday, May 23, 2013. He was born February 28, 1922 in Grand Rapids to Henry and Cornelia (VanWestenbrugge) Wierenga. On September 10, 1947 he married Ruth “Georgie” B. Jorgensen, she preceded him in death on December 30, 2000. He is survived by four sons: Kenneth (Sharon) Wierenga of Grand Rapids, Dirk (Anne) Wierenga, Mark (Jan) Wierenga, and Jeff (Cyndy) Wierenga all of Grand Haven; six grandchildren: Jay, Matthew, Jillian, Kristopher, Jonathan and Hannah; and sister, Claire Monsma of Grand Rapids.
Jim served his country as a member of the US Army in WWII between 1942-45. He served in Alaska and state side promoting with the “This is the Army, Mrs. Jones” USO tour.
He was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, clerk of session, and a commissioner to Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. He also served as Moderator of Presbytery and Moderator of Committee on Ministry of Lake Michigan Presbytery. His later service to his church was as Resource Coordinator and assisting with visitations.
Near and dear to Jim’s heart were the people of Ghana, Africa that he and his wife Ruth supported thru their church and missions. Jim and his wife Ruth spent several weeks in Africa where they established the Ruth Wierenga Day Care Center for the people and children of Ghana.
Jim owned The Appliance Center in downtown Grand Haven for many years. He was a past President of Grand Haven Rotary Club, Chair of the Retail Division of Chamber of Commerce and served on the Grand Haven Planning Commission for two terms. In 1950 he was named Young Man of the Year in Grand Haven. Jim was very active in the community and especially enjoyed his daily walks and spending time with his family.
A memorial service for Jim will take place 11:00 AM Friday, May 31, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas Cook officiating. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions in memory of Jim to “The Ruth B. Wierenga Ghana Fund” through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, One South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417. Please sign the family’s online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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