James C. Dufford II

Jim was born on March 27, 1954, to the late Harold (“Hal”) (Mary Claire) Dufford and Jeanne Hall in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim’s family relocated to West Michigan, and he graduated from Kenowa Hills High School in 1972. Jim attended college in San Jose, CA, where he studied Business Communications.

Jim began his career in banking, then managed several Radio Shack stores for many years before making a final career change to Property Management. For 25 years, Jim also worked with Dynamic School Assemblies, performing children’s programs all over Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. His programs included Rock and Roll into Reading, The Science of Music and Rock, and Roll Dance Party. In 2023, Jim retired from doing school assemblies and jumped in to help Spring Lake Public Schools amid the bus driver shortage. Although his health struggles limited his time there, he was a well-known and beloved driver in the district.

Jim was a musician through and through, possessing a voice with perfect pitch. Any time he picked up an instrument, something beautiful followed. Whether he was strumming his guitar in the sunroom at home, leading worship at church, performing silly songs in elementary schools, or gigging around town with his favorite backup singer and wife, Dee, Jim’s talent was versatile and effortless.

Aside from his musical prowess, Jim had many other talents and hobbies. For decades, Jim faithfully participated in Cornell University’s annual bird count. His favorite birds were a pair of cardinals who frequented his outdoor oasis. Jim was also a gifted handyman. In recent years, he put his skills to work by completing a large addition to his home. Jim took great pride in the projects he and Dee accomplished together.

Jim found joy in the simple things: walking his dogs, enjoying a sunset at the beach, cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events, relaxing evenings in the “grotto” with his wife, reading, and, of course, anything involving music. Jim was an old soul and a deep thinker, always ready to engage in conversation with anyone. He truly never met a stranger.

Most importantly, Jim was a follower of Jesus. He exhibited many of the Lord’s divine attributes: goodness, kindness, faithfulness, dedication, love, patience, joy, steadfastness, and so many more. Jim was an example of Christ, both in word and deed. He joyfully and sacrificially gave his time and resources to ensure others were cared for. Jim was an involved, doting grandfather who took advantage of every opportunity to spend quality time with his grandkids. He was also an exemplary husband, always supporting Dee’s dreams and ideas and loving her unconditionally. He was a stable, safe place for his family, possessing so many qualities worthy of emulation.

Jim will be deeply missed by his devoted wife and best friend of 19 years, Deanne (“Dee”) Dufford, as well as their children: Adam (Eva) Dufford of Grand Rapids; Alisha Dufford Latson of Grand Haven; Ben (Kerry) Dufford of Caledonia; John (Chelsea) Kaminski of Nunica; Matt Kaminski of Spring Lake; and Alex (Rachael) Kaminski of Grand Haven. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Traven, Remi, and Charlee Dufford; Johnny, Jayce, and Ezrah Kaminski; Annika and Aaron Roy; and Torina Tappero; siblings: Greg (Julie) Dufford of Colorado Springs, CO; Cathy (Bob) Scarborough of Cadillac; Sue (Chip) Adams of Stewart, FL; Becky (Rick) Marcinkus of Mancelona; Todd (Stephanie) Dufford of Byron Center; and Glenda (Mark) Neymeiyer of Allendale; mother-in-law Carol Heffington; special friend Tessa Tappero; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Waiting to welcome Jim into eternity were his parents.

Though his loved ones are left to grieve the loss of a great man, they have the blessed assurance of knowing he has run the good race and received his eternal reward.

Jesus said,

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25–26

The family will be hosting a posthumous birthday celebration for Jim on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00pm at Watermark Church, 13060 US-31, Grand Haven, MI 49417. A Celebration of Life will be held the following day, Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00am, also at Watermark Church of Grand Haven. There will be a brunch to follow the services on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations go toward the fulfillment of Jim’s final wish: to have a bench made in his honor and placed at Lakeside Beach or along the bike path in Spring Lake. Any funds raised in excess will be used to support children’s programs in the area.

Donations: https://gofund.me/5b6c24239