James William Bareman

Jim was born in 1924 in Holland, and lived nearby all of his life. He attended North Holland School, and was a sharp student. He worked in various jobs throughout his long career, including owning and operating a service station on 8th Street in Holland, and retired from a long career in maintenance at Donnelly - the position he most enjoyed.

Jim married Janet Elaine (Molter) Bareman in 1955, and they raised four children, of whom they were both very proud (along with their spouses). Their family includes Len and Linda (Ten Harmsel) Bareman, Linda and Dave Vugteveen, Ann and Dirk Van Zalen, and Don and Bev (Van Dyke) Bareman; grandchildren Julie Vugteveen, Janna and Elijah Beckwith, Janine and Steve Osterink Jr., Alexis, Lydia and Margaret Van Zalen, and Kathryn, Andrew and Lauren Bareman; great-grandchildren Harmoni, Steven III and Winchester Osterink, and Charlie and Gus Beckwith; his large and caring extended family, including siblings and in-laws Marcia and Henry Balder, Arlene Bareman, Ruth and Gordon Sluiter, and Edward and Janice Bareman.

Jim was preceded in death by his dear wife of 56 years (in 2011), by siblings and in-laws Gladys and Roger Nienhuis, Frances Bareman, Robert Bareman, Lee Molter and Glenn Molter.

Jim and Jan were active and eager volunteers in their neighborhood, as well around the country and the world, especially enjoying their work with CRCNA’s Disaster Response Services. He served as church treasurer for 25 years at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church, among other roles, where he was a lifelong member.

He was a life-long learner, becoming a journeyman machine repairman and journeyman electrician in mid-life, and continued to learn much throughout his long life as a husband, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, church member, reader, and volunteer as well.

Jim will be greatly missed by his children and their families, as a thoughtful, caring (and always feisty) dad, many friends, church members, former co-workers, and by his many relatives.

Donations in his memory may be sent to Unity Christian Schools, Zeeland Christian Schools, or Holland Christian Schools in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 259 Central Ave., Holland, Michigan. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 20, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, Michigan.