Jessica Dykhouse

Jessica Anne Dykhouse, age 34 of Grand Rapids, passed away at her home surrounded by her closest family on December 2, 2021. Jessica was born on May 24, 1987 the younger of the two daughters of Craig & Louise (McDonald) Dykhouse.

A lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, JD as she was known, graduated from Kenowa Hills High School where she played on the tennis team. Looking to further her education, she went on to GRCC where she earned her associate’s degree.

Always a hard worker, JD was always working, frequently holding two jobs. She began with her first job at Radio Shack. Her resume also reads Meijer Photo Lab and her college library as well as working as a Nanny. Always working in customer service, she found a position with Cascade Engineering before settling into her career job at Decade, a sister company to Cascade.

When JD wasn’t working, she loved good stories. She enjoyed the journey the words of a great book took her on. However, it could be argued she was even more entertained by movies and TV shows. She was a huge fan of Quinton Tarantino’s work, even having a Tarantino themed birthday party. She also loved Marvel comics and the movies, and her excitement was palpable every time, a new movie or television series about a character was released. It must also be said, that she was a Real Housewives fan as well, no matter the city, she was up to speed on all the juicy gossip.

Over the years, the Dykhouse sisters had numerous hamsters, cats Tigger and Garfield as well as the Great Danes, Jamber and Roxy. Having a kind heart for animals was important for JD.

Jessica is described as an old soul. Her tastes mirrored the generations of the 50’s and 60’s from her fashion to her taste in music. She loved Otis Redding’s music and even named her house plant Otis in his honor. Anyone who knows Jessica, has met her “boyfriend” James Dean, the life size cut out of the 1950’s actor, she lovingly kept as part of her décor. She even visited Fairmont, IN, his home town more than once to visit the museum and learn as much about the talented actor as she could.

The heart of JD was filled with her love for her family and friends. Becoming an aunt to Bowen was her greatest treasure. The stories and memories she has left behind will be a source of laughter and smiles forever.

Jessica is survived by her parents, Craig & Louise Dykhouse; her sister Jennifer and her husband Collin Chapin-Tovey, her beloved nephew Bowen and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Memorial Service for Jessica will be held on Saturday December 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where the family will receive friends for an hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a cancer foundation of your choice or Spectrum Health Hospice.