John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war. John went on to work for the Kent County Sheriff's Department as a Sergeant. John gave his community over 25 years of dedicated service during his career. He married his love, Paulette Belile, and the couple spent 35 wonderful years together until her passing in 2002. John held many interests throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, coin collecting, dancing, photography, biking, boating, and even listening to Enya. John was a quiet, quick witted, intelligent man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John was preceded in death by: wife, Paulette Belile; son, John James Belile II; and brothers, Ron Shaw, and Larry Belile.
John is survived by: daughter, Rebecca Wildfong (Jason Noorthoek); grandchildren, Jacob Wildfong (Naomi Boico), Noah Wildfong, and Kaleb Wildfong; and siblings, Julie (Tim) Lockhart, and Paul Belile.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE. Grand Rapids, MI 49505. A funeral service with military honors, officiated by Glenn Aittama, will be held the following day, April 9, 2024 at 11:00 am, also at the funeral home. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the start of the funeral service. John will be laid to rest at Blythefield Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund.
