James Robert Buikema

He was preceded in death by his parents Menno and Nellie Buikema; son, Mark Robert Buikema; sister, Nancy Matthews; in-laws Jacob and Katherine Hendricks; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Vos.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Buikema (Hendricks); children Mike (Luanne) Buikema, Sue (Kevin) Spotts, Tom (Heidi) Buikema, Sara (Chris) Holwerda; grandchildren Aric (Samantha) Spotts, Jake (Brianne) Buikema, Anna (Noah) Sall, Shelby (Ben) Wiersema, Allison (Matt) Cooper, Jenifer (Ryan) Nyland, Max (Lauren) Buikema, Abbigale Buikema, Emma Holwerda, and Ellery Holwerda; great-grandchildren Wesley, Wren, Emmett, and Ezra; brother, Calvin (Sarah) Buikema; brother-in-law, Clark Matthews; sister and brothers-in-law Joy (Jim) Albers, Keith (Margie) Hendricks, and Gary Vos; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim loved tractors, trains, and gardening tomatoes. He was a proud collector and owner of Cushman scooters. Jim worked as the Director of Membership at Associated Builders and Contractors, Western Michigan Chapter, and spent retirement years volunteering at Hudsonville Christian School. He was a quiet, but faithful Christian and always supportive of his church, Georgetown Christian Reformed in Hudsonville.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026 at Georgetown CRC, 6475 40th Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Georgetown CRC, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to service. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial contribution to Hudsonville Christian School or Faith Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.