James Heydenburg

James Lee Heydenburg, age 74 of Kewadin, MI, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 2, 2016. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, MI. At the age of 18, Jim met Janice, the love of his life, and married her at the age of 21. They were happily married for 53 years. They resided in Grand Rapids, and then Rockford, MI until 1999. They have resided in Kewadin, MI since 1999.

Jim graduated from Grandville High School where he participated in track and cross country. He went on to graduate from Grand Rapids Junior College and Davenport University.

After graduation, he went on to work for PPG Industries as a Sales Representative in the glass industry. He then joined Varano Glass Company of Grand Rapids as Vice President/Owner and later became President/Owner. Jim loved the glass business, and with over 25 years of dedication, he greatly flourished a small glass shop of 14 employees into the largest glass company in Western Michigan, with over 100 employees. He later expanded Varano Glass to 3 locations, two in Grand Rapids and one in Cadillac. He served the glass industry by being a member of the Grand Rapids Home Builders Political Action Committee.

Jim sold Varano Glass in 1988, but his love for the glass industry and its people continued. Since that time Jim stayed in the industry as a Manufacturer's Representative of various glass related product lines, working with and mentoring his son, Jeff.

In addition to being a husband, father, and employer, Jim loved his Lord and served Him in many capacities for all his life. This included working with the Boys Brigade Ministry, Young Marrieds, and teaching Sunday School class. He also served with his wife, Jan, for 5 years heading up the Junior High Youth Ministry. He served as an Elder and also headed up the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry with his wife, Jan. He also served by working with the youth in Awana. He also enjoyed serving the community by delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program. Most recently, as a current member of New Hope Church in Williamsburg, Jim's love for the Shoebox Ministry continued. Jim was also a co-sponsor of the Adult Senior Ministry and continued working with children in Awana.

Jim had many varied interests. He enjoyed playing tennis and socializing with many wonderful friends. He had a deep love for the outdoors and creation, loved gardening, farming, feeding birds and planting trees. He loved fishing, pheasant and deer hunting. But his real love was the wildlife itself and all the efforts of improving the land to help support it to watch it flourish.

Jim loved people and people loved Jim. He lived his life following the teachings of Jesus. Jim loved Christian music, and a favorite evening for him would be lingering over dinner, with his wife, watching the sunset over Grand Traverse Bay, and ending the evening watching Christian music videos.

Jim dearly loved his wife of 53 years, his children and grandchildren. His family has many treasured memories of time spent with him, and is forever grateful for the role model he was.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; children, Jeffrey Heydenburg and daughter-in-law, Barbara of Rockford, MI, daughter, Jill Heydenburg-Bush and son-in-law, Steve of Grand Haven, MI; grandchildren James Heydenburg and Michael Heydenburg; sisters, Judith Byam (Al), Susan Botma (Larry); sisters-in-law, Evelyn Jamieson (Doug), Marcia Faulkner, and Johnna Beth Doot; and nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marian Heydenburg of Grandville, MI.

The Celebration of Life/Memorial Service for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ for James will be Saturday, January 16, at 2:00 PM at New Hope Community Church, Williamsburg, MI. Family will receive visitors at 1:00 PM.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributing to the KidZone Investment at New Hope Community Church, which is located at 5100 Bethesda Ct., Williamsburg, MI 49690.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.