James "Jamie" E. Berghuis' Obituary
Mr. James “Jamie” E. Berghuis, age 62, died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday morning while running in the Michigan Flavorbest Apple Run in Sparta, MI. He was born November 8, 1941 in Muskegon and had been a life resident of the area. Jim served his country in Germany with the U.S. Army, during the Vietnam War; and had been employed by the State of Michigan’s Department of Social Services as Assistance Payment Supervisor, prior to his retirement in 1997. Jim had a passion for cutting wood and running; and devoted his life to helping others. Very few people can honestly say they left the world a better place for them being here. Jim is one of those few. He has competed in races most weekends since 1981, running in 12 Marathons in different parts of the United States and leaving his footprints on many Michigan roads from competing in most of its road races. He was a member of the LasVegas Track Club and of the Muskegon YFCA. On December 26, 1973 he married the former Mary Trimner and she survives him along with his father, Edward (Vi) Berghuis of Fruitport; 1 brother, Peter (Iva) Berghuis of Fruitport; 2 sisters, Shawn (Don) Erwin of Whitehall and Marcia (David) Kapolka of Alto, MI; 1 sister-in-law, Ramona Clemente of Traverse City; 7 nieces and nephews, Donnie & Darlene Erwin, Peter & Angie Erwin, Scott & Nancy Erwin, Kris & Michael Wren, Dominique Clemente, Shana Clemente and Jack Clemente and by 1 great-niece and 2 great-nephews. Jamie was preceded in death by his mother, Trudy Berghuis. (PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE) SERVICES will be 11:00 A.M. Friday at Calvary Church (5873 Kendra Rd., Fruitport), with Pastor Tom Case, officiating. VISITATION with Jim’s family will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday at Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, 231-726-5210. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider the Muskegon Rescue Mission or the Muskegon Humane Society.
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