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James L. Tubergen

April 23, 2022
Kalamazoo, MI

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Tubergen, James L. 3/10/1923 - 4/23/2022 Kalamazoo Jim Tubergen age, 99, was welcomed into heaven by his faithful Savior and Lord on April 22, 2022. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 10, 1923, to Theodore and Hazel (Brockway) Tubergen. After graduation from Ottawa Hills High School Jim enlisted in to the USMC and served in the South Pacific during WWII from 1942-1946. He was a Technical Sergeant in aviation repair, working on all types of aircraft especially the Corsair. In 1947, Jim met Wilma Gritter whom his mother introduced as the "nice girl at the bank". They were later married that year and were married for 50 years until her passing on 4/28/97. He was a business machine repairman at Friden Business Machines and later worked at MPI in Mattawan. After retirement, Jim joined the Kalamazoo Air Zoo where he served as a docent for 23 years, where he shared his extensive knowledge of the aircrafts. He was honored with an engraved bench, placed near the Corsair. Later Jim married Eleanor Minor in 2000 and were married for 16 years. She preceded him in death on 1/19/16. Jim loved woodworking and made many items for family, friends and Toys for Tots. He was especially proud of the train sets he made for his grandsons. Jim is survived by his two daughters and their families: Jane (John) Buttery with grandsons Jeff (Anne), (Maxwell, Lincoln, and Harrison) and Mark (Nicole) (Ava, Brooke, Charlotte and Kate), and June (Bill) VanderWall, grandson Jim (Lisa), (Hope and Luke). He is also survived by nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ted and Jerry and sister Marilyn Brown. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009 at 1:00 pm. Friends may greet the family from 12:00 to 1:00 pm prior to the service. Pastor Joe Shaler of the Otsego United Methodist Church will be officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South. Memorial contributions may be made to the Otsego United Methodist Church or the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, in memory of Jim. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com The family wishes to thank his many friends on the staff of Wyndham Apartments and Upjohn Care for their kindness, care and support. II Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on that day." Jim was a devout Christian and proud Marine. Semper Fi Dad, well done.