James Drenthe

Drenthe, James Kalamazoo, MI James Drenthe passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at his home with loved ones by his side. He was born January 9, 1936, in Portage Township. James obtained his high school diploma in 1955 from Boysville High School in Detroit, Michigan. He returned to Kalamazoo to start his career at Borgess Medical Center and was considered a valued employee where he earned the nickname "Boiler Man". He retired from Borgess after 35 years of service in 1999. It was at Borgess Hospital where he met the love of his life, the former Jeanette Varvir. They were joined in marriage on December 7, 1968. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage filled with adventures and visiting family all over the United States. They had a particular fondness for the Upper Peninsula and Florida. James thoroughly enjoyed his hobby of ham and CB radio. He was a licensed Amateur Radio Operator and took pride in becoming part of the local FEMA branch. He loved the friends he made on the radio and his handle was "The Boiler Man." James was a practicing Catholic, a very loving and caring individual. He was always available to help family in need and wanted to support those less fortunate than himself. James will be dearly missed and remembered for loving his wife Jeanette and family. He was a self- made man and appreciated everyday God gave he him. James was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Drenthe in 2003. He is survived by his sister Mary Hughes, sisters-in-law, Barbara Sanders, Francis Cook and Dorothy Parker, brother-in-law Don Varvir, and many, many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 1-4PM Sunday, January 22, 2023, and 10-11AM Monday, January 23, 2023, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007, where funeral services will begin at 11AM. Graveside services will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Gary Sinise Foundation. To view James' personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com