James H. Fles' Obituary
James H. Fles, age 83, passed away peacefully at The Leila and Cyrus Poppen Residence on Saturday, December 2, 2023. He was born August 21, 1940, in Grand Rapids, MI, to J. Herman and Lucille (Noordewier) Fles. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and went on to Calvin College and Ferris State University. On August 30, 1975, he married Ruth Ykema in front of his theater organ in their home in Spring Lake, MI.
Jim had a passion for the theater organ. He loved to repair and play organs and was instrumental in modernizing the organ setup at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon, MI. He owned Town & Country Stereo in Grand Rapids, MI and then, Tri-Cities Sound in Grand Haven, MI. When he wasn’t sitting in front of an organ console, Jim could be found boating or tinkering in his workshop. He also was an avid collector of kerosene lanterns.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth; two sons; and two grandsons. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill Fles.
A FUNERAL SERVICE will be 2 PM on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Ferrysburg Community Church (17785 Mohawk Dr., Spring Lake, MI 49456) with Pastor Gene Gregory officiating and VISITATION 1 hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to the River of Life Church of Volusia and The Barton Theater Organ Performance Fund. The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (213 E. Savidge Ave., Spring Lake, MI 49456) is honored to be serving the Fles family. To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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