James Perry Starkweather

He was born May 6, 1933, in Detroit to Perry and Florence Starkweather. He graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit, attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated from Wayne State University, Detroit, in 1956 with a BS in Business Administration.

On Feb. 11, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Marilyn Caroline Bunkofske. His first job after college graduation was with Shell Oil Co. in Detroit, and the family moved to Grand Rapids in 1962 with the company. In 1967 he began working at Grand Valley State Colleges (GVSU). He held many positions in the budget office, including budget director and controller, and retired from the university in 1999.

Jim centered his life on his faith in Jesus Christ. He helped open and was actively involved for many years in the Healing Rooms at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville. In addition, Jim helped lead small groups throughout the years. Many friends and family members would go to him for prayer and spiritual support.

He was an avid athlete who ran the first 18 River Bank Runs, did a number of triathlons, played softball and touch football, went downhill skiing and was an avid biker until Parkinson's disease took away his ability to do these things. He loved supporting high school sports and often could be seen cheering at Godwin and Tri-Unity sports teams long after his daughters and grandsons stopped playing in these schools.

Jim leaves behind a long list of jokes, groan-inducing puns and silly songs that will remain in the family legacy for years.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn (Bunkofske) Starkweather; three daughters, Laurie (Ted) Hartzell of Benton Harbor, Kathy (Tim) Garvin of Caledonia, and Kris (Steve) Garvelink of Grandville; six grandchildren, Ryan (Joy) Garvelink, Josh (Katherine) Garvelink, Megan Garvelink, Nathaniel Baur, Gabrielle Baur, and Eric Hartzell. Jim is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Weaver, 98, of DePere, Wis., and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Thursday at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest SW, Grandville. Interment will be at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet Jim's family Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Cook Funeral Home (west building), 4235 Prairie SW. His family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com. Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, The Parkinson Foundation, or Faith Hospice.

Visitation Wednesday, May 13 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cook Funeral Home-Grandville (West Building) 4235 Prairie Street S.W. Grandville, MI

Funeral Service Thursday, May 14 11:00 AM Resurrection Life Church 5100 Ivanrest SW Grandville, MI