John VanEpps Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. John VanEpps Jr, age 87, of Spring Lake, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He was born July 18, 1937 in Cleveland, OH to John N. VanEpps Sr. and Helen (Condon) VanEpps. John married Sharon (Bradley) VanEpps in Muskegon, MI on July 1, 1967. Sharon preceded him in death March 10, 2009.
John built a life with family and friends. In his early years John was the pilot of the Jump Boat "Thrill Cat" in the Grand Haven Ski Show, won national championships racing Hydrofoil race boats, and then eventually became a charter boat owner and captain of the original "Thunderduck" charter boat. He enjoyed being outside. His main passions being snowmobiling, boating, riding Goldwing motorcycles with his wife Sharon, competitive skeet shooting and machine gun shoots, and flying RC planes. He was a graduate of Michigan State University and held a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a business owner and previously taught small engine mechanics at MSU and Coopersville Public Schools and served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1959 to 1965 as an Aircraft Mechanic/Maintenance Technician.
He is survived by his son Mark (Cori) VanEpps, and granddaughters Madison VanEpps and Riley VanEpps.
A visitation to celebrate John’s life will be held 4-6 PM Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of John may be given to Harbor Hospice.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?