James "Jim" Brondyke's Obituary
Mr. James 'Jim" Brondyke, age 83, of Holland passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at home. He was born August 30, 1940, in Muskegon to William and Hilda (Vlasma) Brondyk. On May 25, 1963, he married Trynette Steenwyk at Muskegon Heights Christian Reformed Church where Trynette’s father was the pastor.
Jim was a current member of Harderwyk Ministries. Family was one of the most important parts of his life. His favorite times were Sundays spent with family for an afternoon of grilling in the backyard, eating on the screened porch, and swimming in the pool. After he retired, Jim and Trynette moved to a condo in Holland, where he fulfilled his dream of living on a lake. He thoroughly enjoyed being able to walk out his back door and throw a line in the water to fish.
Among other positions, Jim was lab manager at North Ottawa and General Hospitals. In 1978, he became an Administration and Executive Officer with the VA in Battle Creek, resulting in the family’s move from Muskegon to Kalamazoo. After retirement he had his dream job selling Pierce fire trucks among others. He was also a substitute teacher, putting in use his Bachelors in Education he earned many years prior.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Trynette; three daughters: Beth and Don Dickens of Holland, Sue and Jim Bivins of Nunica, Valerie Brondyke and Matthew Wong of Roslyn Heights, NY; eight grandchildren: Melissa (Steven) Brower, Jacob (Autumn) Dickens, Alicia (Aaron) Dortch, James (Taylor) Bivins, Matthew Bivins, Justin, Grace, and Faith Wong; eight great-grandchildren: Brianna, Zachary, and Jacob Brower, River, and Olive Dickens, Elayna, James, and Reagan Bivins; siblings, David Brondyk, and Esther Steen. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hilda Brondyk; siblings: Ruth Van Hemert, Paul Brondyk, and Calvin Brondyke.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W. Lakewood Blvd, Holland, MI 49424. Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial contributions in memory of James may be given to Harderwyk Ministries, Hospice of Holland or Gary Sinise Foundation (honoring our veterans and first responders in need). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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