James F. Holman

Mr. James F. Holman, age 74, of Fremont, MI went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He died unexpectedly while at his winter home in Sweetwater Park, Zephyrhills, FL.  He was a godly man who lived to the fullest up to his very last moments. He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Jim was born on March 19, 1945 in Alma, MI to Frances and Venna (Essex) Holman.  He graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1963 and married his high school sweetheart Joanne Den Houten in 1964.  They were blessed with 3 children and 10 grandchildren whom he loved dearly. They lived in Hudsonville for over 50 years before moving to Fremont to live their dream of being on the water at Ryerson Lake.

He worked at General Motors - Diesel/Delphi plant at Burlingame in Wyoming, MI.  While there he obtained his tool and die journeyman card from GRCC, attended Davenport College, and finished his career after 30 years as General Supervisor in Management. As he was much too young to retire, he then continued working in construction, as well as with Habitat for Humanity for over 10 years.  He also enjoyed growing and selling produce at Farmers Markets.

He was very involved in both his Michigan and Florida churches.  During the 30+ years that he attended Hudsonville Reformed Church, he served as an Elder, organized pulpit supply, was a teacher, and a lead and taught in the Cadet ministry.  He was most recently a member of First Reformed Church of Fremont. He was also part of the Sweetwater Fellowship in Florida where he serves as a lay pastor. He had a passion for missions, traveled on many service trips, supported Everyday Blessings foster children’s ministry in Florida and Women At Risk and Project Hope in Michigan.

He loved being with his family and friends.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren teaching them new skills and celebrating their accomplishments in school and life.  He loved and was very proud of all his children and grandchildren. Throughout his life, he enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing both in Michigan and in the ocean- especially the fish frys afterwards.  He continued to enjoy golf up until his very last moments...

He is survived by his wife Joanne of 55 yrs.   3 children: Deborah Hunter, Steven (Kayla) Holman and Timothy (Deanna) Holman.  10 grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jacob) Valentine, Benjamin and Abigail Hunter. Kaylee, Kendra, Koryn and Koen Holman.  Serenidy, River and Zaiden Holman. Sister: Helen(James) Wilson, Brothers: Paul (Jane) Holman and Edgar (Lonna) Holman. Brother-in-law: Robert Den Houten, Sister-in-law : Dorothy (Daniel) Rairigh.  Along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Venna Holman, Fred and Catherine Den Houten,  sister-in-law Patricia Den Hounten, and Brother-in-law Edward Den Houten.

The funeral service will be held at First Reformed Church of Fremont (348 E Main St, Fremont, MI 49412) at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2020 with Pastor Joel Zuidema officiating.  Visitation will also be at the church from 12-1 pm on Friday at church. There will be a luncheon at the church immediately following the service and the burial will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Everyday Blessings. You can sign the online guestbook at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. 

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