Name: Cook Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Grandville Chapel
Address: Grandville, MI

thank you my dear brother for all your words of wisdom thru our lives, I will never forget you. we've had some great times at the Oakridge as siblings together. I will cherish the times coming over to your house with dad and dave when we were younger. Dad loved you alot and you him. I wish we could've been adults longer with him around. to enjoy life. but we had some good times as brothers and sister. so many fun times with your animals, and the trailer ride after a bad Soup Supper at the Goal Post. thank you for being my brother. I will always love you and think of you often. see you soon in heaven, hopefully the years down will go fast. till we meet again Jim. Love your little brother Tom 

 Posted by Tom And Dorothy Van Houten - Jenison, MI - Brother December 21, 2013

I love you dad!!

 Posted by Pam - Shelbyville, MI - daughter December 21, 2013

Oh Jim - what a great picture and a great smile! You and Rebecca have been wonderful friends for so long and I am so thankful for your friendship - for your faithfulness to Georgetown Bible Church in so many areas. I have many good memories - Gaither concerts at the Van Andel! I know when you took your last breath on earth this morning, you took your first breath in Heaven and for that I am so happy for you. I am so happy that you no longer have cancer and pain. Our church family loves you Jim and we will miss you so very much - and we will be here to love and care for Rebecca and your family. Love you Jim - tell Bill how much I miss him. I will see you again - in the sweet by and by. Robin

 Posted by Robin Rodgers - Jenison, MI - Friend December 22, 2013

Your picture is how I am choosing to remember because this is how I saw you most! Always smiling, joking, and positive. You blessed our family more than you will ever know! Praying for Rebecca and the rest of your special family and thanking God for your being with Him and there is no more suffering for you, only complete Joy! You will be missed....love & hugs, Dawn 

 Posted by Dawn - Jenison, MI - freind December 22, 2013

I will always remember the times Rebecca and you were on the Planning Committee for the singles group. The time you kidnapped me and took the committee to see the lights without letting me go to the bathroom, Helping with pushing me through the front driver window of the car while the driver pulled me in and we took off to play cards at his house. The time Don Dekker pushed me in a wheelchair down a dark hall after the lights expedition and ran into the office door. The time, with the help of your daughters, we put your car in neutral in a parking lot and move it about 5 feet back. You looked really shocked to see where it was. I don't regret any of that. We had special times on that committee with Rebecca and Don. This just goes to show that you can be a believer and still have fun. We probably kept the angels laughing. 
 I will truly miss your kindness and friendship. You made me feel like an important person.
 God Bless you for all of those you have influenced like me. GOD DONE GOOD ON YOU.

 Posted by Dianne Vandergon Bird - Grand Rapids, MI - Friend December 23, 2013

I coached and played softball at GBC for about 10 years, and was blessed to have Jim and Tim on my team during that time. We shared many good memories and experiences out on the field, and that is how I remember Jim best. It saddens my heart to hear of his passing, but I'm comforted because of Jim's faith, knowing that he is now in the presence of our LORD. 

 Posted by John Stitzel Jr - Rockford, MI - friend December 23, 2013

The Greatest gift my Dad ever gave me was simply being my Father! i will always love you and be thankful for that! 

 Posted by Cathy Baumer - Jenison, MI - Daugher December 24, 2013

I will always remember Uncle Jim as the calmest father in the world, even when my brother and I and his own kids were up to no good. To this day, seeing his picture always calms me and reminds me that any problem can be solved with patience.

 Posted by Jeff Van Houten - Fresno, CA - Nephew December 24, 2013

I worked with Jim in Awana and Camp AoWaKiya for years. He always encouraged me and spoke truth over my life. He never realized the impact he had on me or the decisions I made to do right, based on things he said and did. His influence is something I carry with me to this day. Much love, Rebecca; from Sara (Stitzel) Galler.

 Posted by Sara - Mattawan, MI - friend December 24, 2013

Jim was my best friend, but I was just one of the many friends he had. He was a genuinely good person, fun to be around, and a committed Christian who witnessed for Jesus Christ by how he lived his life. All who knew him will really miss him, but are better people because of him.

 Posted by Jim - Jenison, MI - My best friend December 25, 2013

Jim was a good friend of mine in Unity Christian High School, and I have fond memories of all the things we did together. 
 Something I'll always thank him for is getting me into the Army Reserve. He called me and urged me to get right down to the U. S. Army 180th Transportation Company in Grand Rapids where he was already serving, as they were accepting recruits. He saved me from the possibility of going to Vietnam and for that I've always been thankful to him. Jim was a wonderful guy, and I'm very sorry that he's passed away at such a young age. 

 Posted by Robert Schippers - Wayland, MI - HIgh School Friend December 26, 2013

Jimmy was one of my favorite cousins, I remember as kids his kindness to me and he ALWAYS made me giggle and laugh when I was little, it was his smile... Jimmy you will be missed.

 Posted by Cindy Van Houten - Portland, MI - Cousin December 27, 2013

I am sadden by the loss of this awesome man of God. I remember Jim hunting me down to speak at Awana and the many laughs we shared on Monday nights and choir practice. Thank you Jim! Hugs to Rebecca and family.

 Posted by Rosie Corl - Grandville, MI - Church family December 27, 2013

Tom, I got caught up in "stuff" Friday and couldn't make it over, but know you are in my daily prayers. I have a brother as well, and we are the best of friends so I understand a small bit of what you're going through right now. God bless. dl

 Posted by David Luyk December 28, 2013

Jim was and always will be a great guy. He generally had a smile on his face. Was kind to others. I had seen him recently at Todd Wendzel, for an oil change and he was looking good. Jim, you will be missed. God has a great angel with him now.;) 

 Posted by annette weingate - MI - co-worker at Kelloggs December 28, 2013

OBITUARY

James Van Van Houten

August 19, 1948 – December 21, 2013

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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