He was born on April 20, 1933, in Saginaw, Michigan to Alfred and Clara (Brown) Vervoort. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1951. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1955 with a degree in science and education. He taught at Ricker Middle School in the Buena Vista School District for 31 years, teaching math, physical education, and coaching boys sports. Jim was a talented musician. He played trumpet in the Vervoort Family Band for 7 years. He was the drummer in the C-Notes Band for 20 years. He was a disc jockey with The Players for 10 years. Jim was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed attending local sporting events and was a loyal Michigan State fan. Jim found joy in time spent with family and numerous friends made through teaching, music, golf and other sports. He accomplished much, loved well, and will be missed by many.
“Uncle Jim,” as he was fondly known, is survived by his nieces and nephews, Nelson (Becky) Burnell, North Lawrence, OH; Richard (Pam) Burnell, Blairsville, GA; Thomas (Robin) Burnell, Roscommon, MI; Patricia (Steve) Pierce, Ortonville, MI; Kathy (Bruce) Weisensel, Jackson, MI; Mary (Leland) Dush, Milford, IN; Nancy (Michael) Bontumasi, Spring Lake, MI; Julie (David) Agnew, Clarkston, MI; Susan (Gregory) Vigesaa, their children, Thomas and Sara Vigesaa, Mansfield, OH, with whom he resided for two years. He is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Burnell and Joyce Rekucki; brother, Alfred Vervoort, brothers-in-law, Nelson Burnell and Eugene Rekucki.
Services honoring Jim’s life will not be observed at this time. A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be announced at a later date. Interment will be at St. Andrew Cemetery in Saginaw, MI.
Special thanks to the staff of Ontario Estates where Jim was a resident. Thank you also to Southern Care Hospice for their end of life care.
Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Wappner are honored to serve the family of James Edward Vervoort.
