James Love

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Jim Love brought such happiness to those around him whether his family, his friends, or those within his community. He was a hardworking man who wasn't afraid to travel down new avenues throughout his entire life’s journey. Although he worked hard, Jim played just as hard and was drawn to anything high performance. Known as Uncle Jim to many, he was outgoing and friendly - the sort of person who never met a stranger. He accomplished a great many things throughout his life, but nothing was of greater significance than the family he treasured. Jim leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will always cherish.

With the end of WWII in 1945, America was transitioning to being a nation at peace once again. With servicemen and women who returned home, manufacturing was no longer needed to support the war effort and the baby boom was underway. With growing families, the new housing market was exploding like never before. It was just as the 1950s were dawning that Donald and Jane (Mitchell) Love were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on April 6, 1950. James V. was the younger of two sons born to his parents, and he was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his brother, Robert.

In many ways Jim, as he was often known, experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. He was a student at local schools including Sibley School during his youngest years. His high school years found Jim at Union High School, but only through the tenth grade as he was needed in the work force to help support the family since his father had become seriously ill.

New and exciting changes were in store for Jim when he met the young girl of his dreams. Her name was Sharon Gongalski, and they met when she was 15 and he was 16 because his roommate, Eddie Hearth, was dating Sharon’s sister, Sandy. Sharon was a bit smitten with Jim when he took Sandy for a motorcycle ride and dropped her off at the Gongalski family home. Sandy later asked Sharon if she would go out with Jim on a double date with her and Eddie. She was more than happy to oblige. One date led to another, and it wasn’t long before they were officially dating. They continued dating for two years, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Jim and Sharon were married on August 24, 1968, at St. James Church in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds initially lived in an apartment on Straight Street, but after six months they moved to a home on Mc Reynolds, NW where they remained for two years. In 1971 they moved to Newaygo. Together they were blessed with the births of two sons, Don and Tom.

Along his entire life’s journey Jim had an unmatched work ethic. His first job was assembling motorcycles and delivering appliances at BallPark Hardware. From there Jim worked as a mechanic at several local gas stations and built racing engines for Billy Robertson who was a drag racer. On one occasion Jim had a chance to drive a AA fuel dragster at Martin Dragway, which was the one and only time he did such a thing since it scared the life out of him! He also worked at Madison Square Garage, John Esler Motorcycles, and a Marathon Station as well as Sunoco stations that were both on Michigan Street. In addition, Jim worked on heavy equipment at EKS Equipment, drove truck for Westing Companies, and later worked as truck driver, mechanic, and warehouse traffic manager for MidCon Industries. For several years Jim was a business owner as well. In 1983 they bought the roller rink in Howard City followed by the one in Fremont in 1985. Jim sold computers on the side and later added a second location, and in 1993 he and Sharon established a lawn care and snow plow business which they own and operate today as well as the computer business. In 1990 Jim sold the rink in Howard City followed by the one in Fremont in 1995.

Jim was a man of many interests that greatly enriched his days. He had dogs throughout his life including short-haired pointers as a boy and later assorted strays. Jim had a deep love for all genres of music and picked out all the music for the rinks. Jim loved drag racing, boating, and anything high performance. Gatherings with family and friends were among some of his favorite times, and he truly looked forward to the food! Later in life Jim couldn't have been happier than when he welcomed his daughter-in-law, Amanda, into the family when she married Don.

With unending devotion to his family and friends, Jim Love was a blessing to those around him. There was nothing like one of his stories, and he was never one to hesitate to share one of his many opinions with someone either. Jim was a man of great strength who rallied back from his first open heart surgery to live a full life for the more than 10 years that followed while completely embracing the moments he was given even more tightly than he had before. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mr. James “Jim” Love, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 20, 2014. He was preceded in death by his brother Bob. Surviving are his wife Sharon, children Donald and Amanda Love, Thomas Love, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon M. Love and Sandy and Eddie Hearth. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11AM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with Fr. Ray Bruck officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8PM. To leave a memory or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com