James E. Dexter's Obituary
Mr. James E. “Jim” Dexter, age 81, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 2, 2011 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen House in Muskegon. He was born September 19, 1930 to Edward H. and Laura F. (Kitchen) Dexter in Grand Haven, and lived over 50 years in the Muskegon area. Jim worked at Shaw Box Crane for 20 years, retiring in 1986, and was a member of Crestwood United Methodist Church. He had been the Boy Scout Committee Chairman of Troop 7 for 13 years, and was a member of the Lion’s Club. One of Jim’s fondest memories is singing in the choir. “His Eye is on the Sparrow” is a song he sang with Ethel Waters in a crusade of city wide churches. He also sang it several times in various local churches. On November 14, 1952 Jim married Janet M. Szendre in Muskegon. SURVIVORS include his wife Janet; 4 children, Julia (Richard Sprague) Dexter of SC, Gary M. Dexter of Muskegon, David W. (Germaine) Dexter of VA, Randall L. (Marie) Dexter of NC; 7 grandchildren, Linda Dexter, Laura Dexter, Michael Dexter, Chase Sprague, Elizabeth Dexter, Juliana Dexter, Jordan Dexter; sisters, Ruth Hansen of Greenville, Carol (Richard) Phillips of TX, Joan Gale of Montague; sister-in-law, Joan Dexter; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Loren R. Dexter, Kenneth Dexter; and sister, Laura Mae Fricano. SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Thursday at Crestwood United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gerald Hagans officiating. Entombment will take place at the Evergreen Mausoleum. VISITATION at The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday evening. You may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Mr. Dexter may be made to Crestwood United Methodist Church, or Harbor Hospice.
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