Percival "Jim" James Griswold's Obituary
Percival “Jim” James Griswold 85, of Grand Haven went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. He was born April 27, 1924 in Nunica, Michigan to Apollis and Florence (Withey) Griswold. He married Elaine Sovis on July 31, 1947 in Grand Haven.
Jim retired from Construction Aggregates Corporation in Ferrysburg in 1992 after 45 years. He was a member of Second Reformed Church of Grand Haven where he had served on Consistory. Jim was active in scouting, church organizations, and square dance clubs. Other activities included reading, golfing, travel, cross country skiing, and camping.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Beverly Singerling of Spring Lake, and Barbara (Dan) Banta of Grand Haven; a son, Rodney (Brenda) Griswold of Grand Haven; four grandchildren: Christopher (Sandy) Singerling, Heather Singerling, Kevin (Amanda) Banta, and Kellie (Ben) Brakke; three great-grandchildren: Katy and Natalie Singerling and Ethan Banta; a brother William of Ferrysburg; four sisters: Margaret (Bryce) Trowbridge of Toledo, Ohio, Eliza Pavlin of Grand Haven, Ethyl Czarny of Rothbury, Michigan, and Rebecca (Clarence) Verberkemos of Grand Haven; a sister-in-law, Beverly (Robert) Avery of Grand Haven; three brothers-in-law: Robert (Rose) Sovis of Jupiter, FL, Douglas (Diana) Sovis, and Kenneth Sovis, both of Grand Haven. Also surviving is Larry Kimball a close family friend as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, a son Ronald James Griswold, his parents, a brother Francis Griswold, two brothers-in-law, Ed Czarny and Ronald Pavlin, and a sister-in-law, Jessie Griswold.
His compassion and devotion to wife, family, and others is an example for us all. The laughter, joy, and humor he brought to life will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held Monday, December 7, 2009, at 11:00 AM from Second Reformed Church with Rev. James VanderMeiden officiating. Friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Contributions to Hospice of North Ottawa Community at Heartwood Lodge or to Second Reformed Church of Grand Haven are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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