Jack Johan Jansma's Obituary
Jack Johan Jansma, age 90, of Coopersville, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21 while his dear granddaughter Haleigh was holding his hand. Jack J. was born to Jack and Mary (VanZytveld) Jansma on February 23, 1935. He was predeceased by the mother of his children, Joan G. (VanderHeide) Jansma, his eldest daughter, JoAnn Dubridge and his sons Jelte and J.D. Jansma. Our beloved father is survived by children, Jane Hofstra (Norm Browe), Jennifer Sanborn (Chad), Judy Rau (Danny), James Jansma (Stacy), and Jessica Jansma (Mark Richard). He is also survived by one sister, Harriet Jones (Gordon). Many nephews, nieces, family and friends share in our grief. Jack started building houses with his father when he was still in high school, and as a young husband and father, Jansma Builders, Inc. was how Gabrielle Hills, a neighborhood on the N.E. side of Grand Rapids and many other houses, including some in Kalamazoo, MI originated. Eventually he turned to commercial housing and built both Breton East Apartments and then Greentree Apartments, a Section 8 housing project for the elderly in Kentwood, MI. Dad believed in making his hobbies into how he made a living, and that’s how his fishing and hunting charter businesses came to be. Captain Jack of the Flying Frisian plied the waters of Lake Michigan for years, always giving the “fishing report” for Andy Rent and Bruce Matthews of WOOD Radio. Wingshooting Adventures took Dad, his clients, colleagues, and dear friends to far off places like Hungary, Mexico, Bolivia, and Scotland to hunt birds, the “Sport of Kings”. Since Dad never retired, he enjoyed returning to his roots and farming at his property near Coopersville. Just in the last few weeks he was tickled pink to see 2 baby calves had dropped! He farmed corn, hay and the cattle with the loyal help of Chris Staup (a close friend of our brother J.D.) and his family. Dad had so many special qualities! He was charismatic and when his children were asked in school what did their dad do for a living – the answer given was “talk on the phone!” He was musically gifted and could play any instrument that found its way into his hands: piano, banjo, ukelele, baritone and even the bass viol. He sang beautifully, adding his melodious voice to various church choirs over the years including at his home church, First Presbyterian of Grand Haven. Dad had extraordinarily beautiful handwriting and anything written out in longhand looked like stylized calligraphy. Despite the health problems that challenged Dad in these last 3 years, he religiously hosted his Monday night suppers with a close-knit set of buddies, which always included his beloved grandson, Steve Ophoff. He also cherished his Thursday night suppers with Carole (the “flower lady”) as well as his weekend breakfasts with his friend Jerry. He loved to entertain and his annual Christmas Tree Trimming party was a festive event in the community for years. The baby grand piano he bought for our mother when they were young and could barely afford it is now silent. Not long before he died, he told us that he dreamed about our mother, Joan G. and he said that he had seen her so clearly in the dream, smiling at him. When he asked, “is it possible that she is my angel?”, the answer we gave was a resounding “Yes”! He has now gone home to find her. A service in celebration of Jack’s life will take place Sunday, December 28 at 2:00 pm at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services in Grand Haven, Rev. Dr. Troy Hauser Brydon officiating. Military honors will be accorded Jack under the auspices of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Visitation will take place at VanZantwick Chapel one hour prior to services. Private interment Oakgrove Cemetery in Grand Rapids at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Calvin Alumni Choir (Calvin Alumni Choir Giving Page), the Wounded Warrior Project (Wounded Warrior Project ) or Mel Trotter Ministries of Grand Rapids (Mel Trotter Ministries). Arrangements by the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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