James D. Christman's Obituary
James Douglas Christman, age 80, a lifelong resident of Spring Lake, passed away Monday, May 15, 2006, at his home. Born May 19, 1925 in Grand Haven to George S. and Adrienne (Glerum) Christman, he married Lois M. Austin on September 6, 1947 in Grand Haven.
Mr. Christman, with his brothers, owned Christman Lumber Co. (later Industrial Lumber & Packaging), the brothers taking over the business from their father. He began the first of over twenty years of service on the Spring Lake Village Council at the age of 24. After a brief period off the Council, he was again elected to the Council and later served as President of the Village from 1983-1987. Mr. Christman was a long time member of the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, the Spring Lake Yacht Club (where he also served on the board), and the Spring Lake Country Club. He was also a director of Grand Rapids Reserve Supply Co.
Mr. Christman was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, and later the Military Police. His interests included sailing, military history, and railroad history.
Survivors include his wife Lois; son James A. (Jane) Christman of Oak Brook, IL, and their two children, Jill and Lauren Christman; son Douglas K. (Barrie) Christman of Clive, IA; his brother George (Shirley) Christman of Foley, AL; sister-in-law Lucia Christman of Spring Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Normand J. Christman.
A memorial service for Mr. Christman will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Friends may meet the family in the Fireside Room at the church following the service. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the National Ataxia Foundation, at 2600 Fernbrook Lane, Suite 119, Minneapolis, MN 55447, or the Hospice of North Ottawa Community, http://www.noch.org/hospice. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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