Grant Michael Jager

JAGER, Grant Michael
Of Kalamazoo Grant Jager, age 19, having led a courageous and joyful life in the face of earthly adversity, was called to eternal glory in the name of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 20, 2008. God has restored to Grant a body, which is strong and well, and eyes, which see God in all of heaven's glory. Grant's daily life brought blessings and joy to all who knew and loved him. Though Grant's legs lacked the strength for walking and running, Grant ran the race of faith in Christ as one whose love and energy were boundless. Grant knew and understood that he was God's child and lived as Christ's servant, sharing God's great love with all. Grant's deep love for family, his wit and humor, and keen sense of listening lit up a room. Grant's smiles and resilient spirit were an inspiration. In the midst of pain, it was Grant's visitors who walked away blessed and sure of God's plan that in all of life, the glory is God's. Grant joined Jesus Christ, his faithful Savior in heaven on a Sunday, Grant's favorite day of the week. Grant loved worshipping at Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church, where he was a professing member. Grant's voice often joined the pastor's with amens of praise and with occasional amens, urging the pastor toward his conclusion. Grant's church family loved Grant and served God as faithful prayer partners and constant support for Grant and for the Jager family. Grant was blessed to often join evening worship at Grace Church with his grandparents. He attended Croyden Avenue School and will be missed by teachers and friends. Grant is survived by his beloved family, parents Tom and Laura Jager, his brothers Nathan and Mitchell Jager, and his devoted grandparents Henry and Shirley Jager. Grant was preceded in death by his dear grandma, Marvella Woltjer and is also survived by loving grandparents John and Dorothy Woltjer, great-grandparents Alko and Nell Jager, and by numerous adoring aunts, uncles, cousins, many dear and close family friends, an enthusiastic Friendship Class, and a wonderful caregiver and best friend Julie Cooper. May we too, knowing that Christ went ahead of us to prepare a room for us, one day hear Christ's invitation of grace and words of assurance saying welcome home, well done, my good and faithful servant. A memorial service to celebrate Grant's life will be held 7:00 o'clock Thursday evening at Third Reformed Church, 2345 N. 10th Street with Pastor Dan Sarkipato officiating. Friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Private interment will be in West Oshtemo Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, the Kalamazoo Deacons' Conference, and the Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church building fund.