Jacob Jay VandenBerg, age 84, of Byron Center, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Jay is survived by his loving wife, Carol; and his children, Shane VandenBerg (Linda), Mark (Sharon) VandenBerg, Debra (Dan) Racey, Steven VandenBerg (Linda), Jackie Herrema (the late, Brian Herrema). He shared many years of his life with his caring stepchildren, Kathi (Doug) Wortman, Bill (Margie) Ryman, Kristi (Todd) Reed, Karri Ryman. “Granpa J’s” many beloved grandchildren include: Nathan (Sarah) Evink, Joshua (Alex) Evink, Jason (Amanda) Reed, Daniel (Joye) Reed, Joseph (Emily) Reed, Lindsey (Dustin) Buchanan, Michelle Ryman, Michael Ryman, Mitchell (Samantha) Herrema, Morgan (Josh) Nyhuis, Madison Herrema, Shawn VandenBerg, Trisha VandenBerg, Erica Kieviniemi, Shana Kieviniemi.  His loving great-grandchildren include: Jacob and Zachary Evink, Jayden, Owen, and Hope Reed, Wade Reed, Greyson, Easton, and Braydon Reed, Liam, Declan, and Brielle Buchanan, Sloane Herrema.  Others who shared in his life include his sister, Martha Reimersma and his brother, Casey VandenBerg, who faithfully took Jay to coffee and lunch during his long illness.  Jay spent many years with a hammer and saw in his hand while working in his own construction business.  He built and sold homes and commercial buildings as a licensed realtor within Grand Rapids, Wyoming, and the Gun Lake area.  Jay and Carol lived on Gun Lake where he spent so much valuable time with his grandchildren.  They fished, swam, and were taught by “Granpa J” how to drive a boat.  Thirty-five years ago, Jay and Carol were part of a small group who planted Gun Lake Community Church through the Reformed denomination where Jay served in many capacities, including being an elder.  Bonita Springs, Florida was Jay and Carol’s winter home.  Jay loved to play cards, ride his bike, play shuffleboard and watch NASCAR and other sports. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 7 p.m. at Byron Center United Methodist Church, 2490 Prescott St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with Pastor Jeffrey Cummings and Ray Farrell officiating. Inurnment will be held at Winchester Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Thursday from 6-6:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Byron Center United Methodist Church, Moline Christian School, or Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.