Denis Ronald Jingles

Denis Ronald Jingles, 63, was called on the evening of July 5, 2025, to live his everlasting life with his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Denis succumbed to Alzheimer's after his diagnosis less than 10 years earlier.

Denis, also known as Denny, Den, dad, and papa, was an outdoorsman and a family man. He was creative, exceptionally hard working, fun, silly, selfless, humble, resilient, and loyal. Denis had a heart of gold, and a large one at that, sized proportionally to his six foot plus frame, with every ounce devoted to loving and caring for the people and places that mattered to him. He was a provider and caretaker, described by many as a “gentle soul.”

Denis was a man of few words and simple pleasures. What he “lacked” in words, he made up for in his sense of humor- always telling jokes and pulling pranks. He enjoyed the simple things in life: a beautiful sunset, which he was always sure to photograph, a cup of coffee, a bonfire, listening to music, time with his family, and being outdoors.

A master angler and hunter, his greatest passion was the outdoors. Denis loved being on the water and in the woods, and he treasured being able to share that passion with others, eventually opening a side business, offering guided fishing charters and selling his custom-made fishing rods and lures. When Denis wasn’t doing something outdoors, he was likely talking about the outdoors or watching Michigan Outdoors.

Denis was exceptionally hard working and took pride in his work. In the early part of his working life, he leaned into cooking, baking, and hospitality, expressing his creativity as a chef in an up-scale hotel. He worked in several industries and held no less than two jobs at a time for many years. His work ethic and dedication to providing for his family are some of his most admirable qualities.

No stranger to curve balls, adversity, and challenges, some of which unimaginable, Denis was a beacon of strength and resilience with perseverance and unwavering determination to rise above and overcome. He was a source of inspiration to many; like a lighthouse, Denis stood reliably, prevailing all elements, and serving as a guiding light in the darkness and through uncertainty.

Denis, a true family man, who set the bar for being the best father and husband, is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 20 years, Suzanne Jingles (Sturgeon), and two daughters, Carenda Burress and Jessica Lockwood. Denis was a proud and loving stepfather to Suzanne’s three children, Becca, Jessica, and Brad. He was a grandfather of nine to Carenda’s daughters, Adriana and Marrion, Jessica’s children, Reagan and Richard, Rebecca’s daughter, Braylee, and Jessica’s children, Elias, Camila, Malakai, and Wynter. Denis is also survived by his only sibling, his older brother Duane Jingles.

The family invites those privileged to know Denis to attend a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel in Grand Rapids on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Afterward, the family is hosting a celebration of life gathering at The Rezervoir Lounge from 1pm-4pm.

Just as Denis expressed following the passing of his beloved father many years ago, “We will never forget you. You are never far from our minds and hearts. You are dearly missed by all of us. Love, your family.”