James Shuler

Adored father and remembered by all for his curiosity, ingenuity, generosity, and competitive spirit, James “Jim” Shuler of Holland, Michigan, and formerly of Indiana, Illinois, and Colorado, died peacefully on April 3rd, 2024, surrounded by his children. He was 89.

Jim was born on May 17th, 1934, in Elkhart, Indiana to William and Mary (Shelley) Shuler. Jim is survived by five children and spouses, Debbie Reid (Steve) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Greg Shuler (Sara) of Muskego, Wisconsin, Cindy Shuler (Ed) of Libertyville, Illinois, Dwight Shuler (Susan) of Bend, Oregon, and Christine Shuler (Kevin) of Sunnyside, New York. Jim’s family legacy also includes nine grandchildren, Steve, Justin, Max, Heather, Shannon, Michelle, Rachael, Zach and Lauren, and three great-grandchildren Boaz, Aoife, and Lewis. Jim is preceded in death by his son, Michael Shuler, wife, Judy (Hoffman) Shuler, and his four siblings, Margaret Wenzel, Elizabeth Lefebre, Barbara Bontrager, and William Shuler.

Jim learned to love and play tennis from an early age and played competitively through the 1950’s, winning the Indiana State Championship four years in a row. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1952 and Tri-State College in 1956. As a mechanical engineer, Jim made invaluable contributions in world-class design, research, patents, and notably, the structural integrity of the world’s largest cantilever building in 1962, Place Ville Marie, in Montreal. He retired from Woodford Manufacturing Company in 1999.

In his remaining years, Jim was devoted to his family, faith, and friends, playing table tennis and pickleball, testing his Jeep on Jamborees, creating practical jokes and mathematical puzzles, watching movies and listening to songs that made you smile and cry, and he never stopped asking questions, quizzing, and laughing. He brought absolute joy to everyone he met and will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s visitation on Thursday, April 11th, from 6-8p at Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave, Holland, MI. A private family service will be held at Our Lady of the Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.