James R. Groetsema

GROETSEMA, James R.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Tuesday evening, May 7, 2013. Jim was born March 14, 1938, in Kalamazoo the son of Claus and Gertrude Johnson Groetsema. Prior to his retirement in 1991 he was employed in office services with The Upjohn Company for 35 years, winning The Upjohn Award in 1990. Jim was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and was the Commissioner of the Southwest Michigan Hockey Association for 20 years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, and most of all enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in their many sporting events. On February 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to the former Ruth Schipper who survives. Also surviving are his children, Steve Patti Groetsema, Shelly Mike Dusek of Ft. Myers, FL, Scott Lisa Groetsema, Stan Ang Groetsema; 13 grandchildren, Chad, Shaun, Ashley, J.R., Joey, Stephanie, Brandon, Peyton, Courtney, Adrian, Nikki, A.J., and Jacob; 7 great-grandchildren; a sister, Linda William Timmer; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, May 11, at the Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S. Burdick with Rev. Dr. Robert Terwilliger and Rev. Fritz Kruithof officiating. Private interment will be in Genesse Prairie Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Reformed Church or the Kalamazoo Humane Society. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street.