James A. "Jim" Vander Wall's Obituary
James “Jim” Allen Vander Wall, age 86, generous and kind father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away gently into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in Byron Center, MI at Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods. Jim was born, the last of 10 children, on January 23, 1937 in Shelby, Michigan to Ryan and Effie (Vander Sluis) Vander Wall. On June 5, 1957 he married Carol (Vander Meiden) in Grand Haven. They lived many years in Norton Shores, MI before moving to Hart, MI in 2003 and spent their winters in Lake Placid, FL for the last 20+ years. Jim was a tool and die maker by trade and eventually became the owner of different businesses. He was Founder and President of United Sign Company for 20 years before retiring to “the cottage” on Little Crystal Lake in Hart, MI in 1997. Jim was a former member of Unity Reformed Church in Muskegon. He enjoyed fishing, card playing, refurbishing old cars, and traveling with Carol, family, and friends. In retirement, he built a “pole barn” mansion to tinker in most every day. He loved his family and his Lord most of all. Jim is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Janna (David) Lange of Ada, son, Mark Vander Wall of Norton Shores; 6 grandchildren: Ryan and Emily Kooi, Molly (Justin) Back, Mila and Orrie Vander Wall, Zoe Stenholm; great-grandson, Landon Ross; brothers-in-law: Orrie “John” (Margaret) Vander Meiden, Rev. James (Bonnie) Vander Meiden, David (Joann) Vander Meiden; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Tony) Meyers; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death his parents, Ryan and Effie, his brothers Wesley and Calvin in childhood, as well as siblings Marvin “Mike”, Ray, Neil, Peggy, Bernice, Emilie and Lois. FUNERAL SERVICES for Jim will be held 11:00 AM Monday, February 13, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100, with the Revs. Jon Sherrill and Brian Telzerow officiating. VISITATION with the family will be from 10:00-11:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery, Grand Haven, MI. MEMORIALS to Samaritan’s Carriage or Gideons International will be appreciated. Share memories with the family on their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
