James Jacob Van Dyke Sr.

James Jacob Van Dyke Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully October 25, 2025, surrounded by family. Jim was born July 6, 1939 to Peter and Margaret Van Dyke and grew up in Hopkins, Michigan, where he graduated from Hopkins High School in 1957.

Jim proudly served his country as a private first class in the U.S. Army, and enjoyed his years stationed in Zweibrücken, Germany. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth (Abel) Van Dyke May 12, 1962. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing June 16, 2001. Jim was later blessed by finding true love again and married Ellen Davis June 5, 2004. For over 20 years, Jim and Ellen shared many adventures with their happily blended families.

Jim was a devoted father to James (Darcy) Van Dyke Jr., Sheryl (Simon) Hoeksma, and Dan (Andrew) Harries-Fayé. He was an incredibly proud and loving grandfather to Christina (Brady) Fischer, Amanda (Scott) Jantz, Alicia (Layton) Grinage, Gabriella (Tucker) Seese, Colton (Lauren) Van Dyke, Tanner (Sydney) Van Dyke, and Vivienne Harries-Fayé; and nothing brought him more joy than his 13 great-grandchildren, whom he adored with all his heart.

Jim spent much of his career working in the tool and die industry in Grand Rapids, and for several years also owned and operated an insulation business in Middleville.

Jim had a true zest for life. He loved the outdoors — whether he was out hunting or spending peaceful days on his boat on Gun Lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures: a cold beer or a good glass of wine, a heartfelt conversation, and the chance to share his many life stories. Anyone who knew Jim knows how much he loved to talk about his family — especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were his greatest pride and joy.

He is survived by his loving wife Ellen; his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and sisters Barbara Ulberg and Vivian Vos. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Carolyn; sisters Virginia Elson, Shirley Locklin, and Phyllis Huistra.

Jim’s warm heart, endless stories, and love for life will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched along the way.

He is now in a better place — at peace, reunited with loved ones, and forever in our hearts.

The family wishes to honor Jim’s request to extend heartfelt thanks to the Corewell Hospice nursing team, with a special note of gratitude to his primary nurse, Casey Dillard, for her exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Corewell Health Foundation to support Hospice and Palliative Care (https://corewellhealth.org/foundation/west), in memory of James Jacob Van Dyke Sr.

Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Gun Lake Community Church, 12200 W. M-179 Highway, Wayland, Michigan 49348. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, October 30, also at Gun Lake Community Church, followed by light refreshments and fellowship at the church. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookwayland.com in Jim's online guestbook.