James Bouwkamp

Mr. James Frederick Bouwkamp. The angels came and carried James Frederick Bouwkamp, age 86, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, from the Holland Hospice House, into the loving arms of his heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Jim spent his life loving, caring and doting on his three daughters and their families, Robin (Dan) Spicer of Grand Haven, Kim (Steve) Norman of Grand Rapids, Jackie (Marshal Clark) of Portland; grandchildren, Daniel Spicer, Amanda (Aaron) Spencer, Nicole (Jason Fletcher) Bouwkamp, Andrea (George) Cox, Sean Gillum; his four precious great grandsons, Alden, Nolan, and Trevor Spencer, and Jason James Fletcher and a fifth great-grandchild who is due in August. Jim is also survived by his brothers, Willis Bouwkamp, Robert Bouwkamp, and Jerry Bouwkamp; his sisters, Virginia (VanMaldigan) and Janice Bouwkamp; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bernice Bouwkamp, brothers, Floyd and Larry, and sister, Hazel Sichterman. Jim was welcomed into the world on June 2, 1921 at his grandparent's farm in Lamont, Michigan. The oldest of nine children, Jim was a very humble man and had his share of joys and sorrow as he experienced life. He attended a small one-room school house in Coopersville and then Coopersville High School. Jim went into the Army Air Corps and served as a pilot during WWII. He attended college in Kansas and then re-enlisted in the Military during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the military, he worked as a lather for Bouma Tile and Acoustical. He married Harriett "Mickie" McCaskey on December 9, 1955. His greatest joy came with the birth of his three daughters and he devoted his life to caring for them. Jim was also an awesome grandfather. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He showed his family unconditional love and the importance of faith. Jim was a long-time member of Eastmanville Christian Reformed Church and then a member of the Ferrysburg Community Church. Jim spent his last two years being lovingly cared for by his daughters and granddaughters as his health deteriorated. He and his family are forever grateful for the care he received from the loving staff at Hospice of N. Ottawa, Robbinswood Assisted Living Community, Haven Park Nursing Home and the Holland Hospice House. Visitation with the family will be at Throop Funeral Home in Coopersville on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services and celebration of Jim's life will be Saturday 11:00 a.m. at Ferrysburg Community Church with Pastor Nate Visker officiating. Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Lamont, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of N. Ottawa or Holland Hospice. Throop-Coopersville (616) 837-8161 www.throopfh.com