James Neal DeVries' Obituary
Mr. James Neal DeVries, age 87, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was born in Muskegon on August 28, 1936, to Frederick and Erma (Drent) DeVries. Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy Reserves. He graduated from Muskegon High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Jim remained a loyal Big Reds supporter throughout his life. Jim spent several years working as an engineer for Howmet Corporation and later as a Field Quality Engineer for G. E. Aero Engines prior to his retirement in 1998. He is a member of Unity Reformed Church and had previously been a member of Westwood Reformed Church where he was active in the choir and served as a Sunday School Treasurer, Deacon, and Elder. He also served as the former president of the Harbour Towne Condo Association. Jim enjoyed wintering in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida and he was an avid golfer. On May 19, 1956, Jim married the former Kathleen Davis in Muskegon and she survives him along with three children, Lisa Kling, Mark (Laura) DeVries, and Susan (Jerry) Sidock; son-in-law, Bill Ritter; grandchildren, Alison (Tim) Corradin, Dan (Kari) Collinge, Justin (Amanda) Sidock, Jacob Sidock, and Sara Ritter; great-grandchildren, Layla, Finnley, Emalyn, Isla, Ashmore, and Jovi; sisters, Lois DeMarr and Donna Kooi; and sister-in-law, Janice Thornton. He was preceded in death by two children, Paul DeVries and Lora Ritter; his parents, Fred and Erma DeVries; and his parents-in-law, Tom and Alice Davis. VISITATION will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, December 28, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. His MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 29, 2023, at The Lee Chapel. MEMORIALS in memory of Jim may be directed to the Big Red Athletic Association or the Muskegon Rescue Mission. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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