James Arthur Coffee

Jim was born in Chicago and the family moved to Grand Rapids when he was in the second grade. He was a graduate of Ottawa Hills HS class of 1959, attended community college and MSU and attained a bachelor's degree from GVSU and a master's degree from WMU. Jim worked for Dennen Steel, taught English literature at Davenport, and was a longtime employee in the research division of the Michigan Court of Appeals.

He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, sports, reading, card games, and crosswords, and especially enjoyed the company of his many friends. He always knew what it took to make a friend and to listen to what someone said.

Jim met his first wife, Carol, in New York City and she passed away after 30 years of marriage. He married Irene in 2003 and found himself surrounded by gardens, books, grandkids, pies, and competitive games of Cribbage.

After retirement, Jim spent winters in Florida fishing with his dog, Dinah, in his boat. He wrote alligator stories for grandson, Blake, based on his sightings on the Crystal River. He delighted in the book sharing between several friends across the country. Jim took special interest in the pond he kept in the backyard, and dug worms to hand feed to the frogs. He was an excellent shot and hunted groundhogs for several farmers and trained Dinah to retrieve them, though she was known to hide them from him.

Surviving are his wife, Irene; her two sons Cullen (Robin) Hunter and David (Autumn) Hunter and their families; and his sister, Judy (Jim) Gunter; nieces Laurel (Adam) Vibber and Kendra (Pete) Wills and their families; and several cousins who made his life pleasant. Preceding him in death are Carol; his sister, Janet; and a beloved brother-in-law, David Timmerman.

Thank you to Faith Hospice for their expert and gentle care. Jim requested cremation and no service, and his heartfelt thanks goes out to the many family members and friends who reached out to him to say a final goodbye. Anyone wishing a remembrance for him may donate to any homeless shelter or the humane society of their choosing. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.