James Russell Vanderveen

James Russell VanderVeen, age 69, of Hastings, Michigan entered the presence of his loving Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, surrounded by his wife and children at home.  James was born on December 2, 1952, the son of Bernard and Jean (DeHaan) VanderVeen.

James was a 1970 graduate of South Christian High School followed by Davenport College.  He worked as a building contractor for 36 years in the greater Grand Rapids area.  On February 15, 1974, he married Ruth Utter, and they enjoyed 47 years together.

James was an active member and volunteer at Thornapple Valley Church.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time on Algonquin Lake and in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  He also liked helping with countless house projects for his children, and spending time with his grandkids.

James is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Jean VanderVeen, father-in-law Merle Utter.

He is survived by his wife Ruth (Utter) VanderVeen of Hastings, Michigan, son Tim (Sarah) VanderVeen of Kentwood, Michigan, daughter Nicole (Josh) Sala of Caledonia, Michigan, son Andrew (Holly) VanderVeen of Marne, Michigan, granddaughter Kylie VanderVeen, grandson Brady VanderVeen, grandson Jonah Sala, grandson Silas VanderVeen, grandson Abraham VanderVeen, and his sixth grandchild on the way, sister Patricia (Tom) VanTol, sister Judy (Bob) Duckworth, sister Pamela Wilson, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions in Jim's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Thornapple Valley Church.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 12, from 7-9 PM at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058 with a Funeral Service held at Thornapple Valley Church 2750 M-43, Hastings, MI 49058 on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 11:00 AM with an hour visitation prior at 10:00 AM. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girbachfuneralhome.com .