Jack Postma

Jack Postma, age 71, passed away peacefully and was welcomed home by his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 26, 2018. His family and pastor were by his side. Jack was a follower of Jesus, devoted husband, father, and Pake. He was a passionate Christian school administrator at New Era Christian School, Northern Michigan Christian School, and for 30 years at Unity Christian High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972. Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eleanor; his children, Bill and Holly Postma, Laura and Jeff Meengs, Jill and Erik Casamento, and Barry and Stephanie Postma. He and Eleanor were blessed with 11 grandchildren: Jake, Sam, and Josie Meengs, Abbi, and Aspen Postma, Torrey, Siek, and Gary Casamento, Luke, Drew, and Taylor Postma. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Grace and Dave DeGroat, Dirk and Sharon Postma, Wilma and Bill Bogertman, Rena and Peter Bast, Bill Postma, Sharon A. Postma, and Betty and Doug McRoberts; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob and Donna De Went, Larry and Nancy Kuipers, Joan and Roger Van Noord, Ed and Petra Kuipers, and Ken and Alida Kuipers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Siek and Rena Postma. In recent years, Jack walked his cancer journey with faith and no fear. So many lives were impacted by his wisdom, friendship, encouragement, and grace despite his illness. Many will miss his times of mentoring, sharing, and fishing. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Messiah Christian Reformed Church, 2900 Springdale, Hudsonville, with Rev. Nate Meldrim officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at Unity Christian High School, 5900 48th Ave., Hudsonville. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Unity Christian High School.

Leave Your Tribute Message

November 01, 2018

I was honored to teach at Unity under your wise and Holy Spirit filled leadership. I always found u full of grace and truth, providing Christ based leadership to staff, students, and the broader community. You were God’s Workmanship doing the work which he had prepared in advance for u to do! To God be 4all the glory! -Audrey Laninga

- Audrey Laninga

November 01, 2018

Jack will be missed by the community and family he loved to serve in the Lord. I'm grateful for the years we could serve together in Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools. Jack was a Christ-like leader worthy of emulation.

- Henk Kleyn

October 31, 2018

Esteemed colleague, admired leader, wonderful mentor, treasured friend, fellow fisher. I am immeasurably enriched by the privilege of working with you and sharing life with you Jack.. Well done my friend. Heaven is richer; we are (temporarily) poorer. Eleanor, Bill, Laura, Jill, Barry; May the peace of the Lord be yours.

- Bruce Hulst

October 28, 2018

I worked with Jack at Unity for 3 years--my first three years of teaching. Although we didn't always see eye-to-eye on certain issues I did respect him and I learned a lot from him. He was a great leader, mover and shaker in his role in Christian education. My condolences to his family. May God's peace and comfort surround you all.

- Beth Karanicola

October 28, 2018

So many memories of Unity days! So much dedication! Jack spent most of his life at school. The Unity community has been blessed. May God wrap his arms of love around you all. May the memories give you peace and comfort

- Dave and Nancy Bos

October 28, 2018

Eleanor, kids, grandkids, brothers and sisters: We will miss that smile, that friendly greeting, those Sunday morning posts. We love you all, bless you all at this time. We knew Jack as a member of the house where Jesus and Lord, as a beloved leader of Unity High School, as husband, father, lake, we will miss you so, Jack. See you again, friend. Ed and Pet

- Ed Kuipers

October 28, 2018

Eleanor and family, I’m so sorry for your temporal loss. I’ll always remember Jack for his encouraging words, his genuine interest in others, for his love of learning and desiring the best for those he loved, served and mentored. He greeted people in the love of Christ, and I’m most confident that his graduation into God’s presence was filled with those greeting him saying, “Thank You, for giving to the Lord”. He always had and will forever remain in the “Best Seat” in the house. As you take time to remember and celebrate the life of Jack, know you are in our prayers. May the peace of Christ be close and fill you with His comfort, and hope.

- Mike DeVries

October 27, 2018

Hello Eleanor - this is a voice from a very long ago past - hoping you remember me from then. Please accept my condolences in your loss. Praying for you and your family.

- Janice Schregardus

October 27, 2018

Few people have had a greater impact on me than Jack Postma. I was privileged to serve as his last school board president and I found Jack to be a legendary figure. Truly a life well lived. While I rejoice at his well deserved promotion, I’m saddened at the loss. My deepest sympathies to Eleanor and his family.

- David Baatenburg

October 27, 2018

I had the opportunity on two fishing trips to Canada to learn from Jack's leadership wisdom. And I learned from the way he walked through medical challenges with candor and grace. He was a gift to myself, my family, and our community and will be missed. Prayers for his family and friends.

- Dale Hulst