James R. Anderson's Obituary
James Ralph “Jim” Anderson, age 79, of Fruitport, died August 10, 2019. He was born at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon on April 29, 1940 to Ralph and Kathleen Eggleton Anderson. A lifelong resident of Fruitport, Jim was a graduate of Muskegon High School, Muskegon Community College, and Central Michigan University. He married Barbara May deZeeuw on August 21, 1971. In his youth, Jim worked with the Muskegon Conservation District helping to reforest Fruitport and Sullivan Townships, and helped local growers establish Christmas tree farming in this area. Jim proudly served four years in the US Air Force and was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association and spent many happy hours designing and building black powder guns. Jim persuaded Barbe to try square dancing just after they married and enjoyed the fellowship and friends he made in their many years as members of Hi-Nabors Square Dance Club. He was a longtime member of Fruitport Congregational Church. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; brother, Allen (Dana) Anderson of Muskegon; sisters, Cheryl Tuttle of Muskegon and Patsy (Robert) Hoppe of Shoreview MN; brother-in-law, Michael Mayo of Greenville NC; nephews and nieces, Lance (Tanya) Cashler, Colin (Sarah) Anderson-Evans, Eliot Anderson-Evans, Anna (Jason) Leininger, Sara (Andy) Moss, and Suzanne Anderson; and good friends, Barbara Connelly, Brian and Evie Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Kathleen Anderson; and sister, Alice Anderson. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 13 from 7 to 9 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 14 at Fruitport Congregational Church, 9 N 8th Ave, Fruitport with Pastor Donna Rick officiating. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Consider making a donation to the Disabled American Veterans, the Muskegon Rescue Mission, the Muskegon Conservation District, or the Fruitport Congregational Church. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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