James Appel

James E. Appel, age 89, of Grandville, Michigan, formerly of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Jim was born March 28, 1935, in Boonville, Indiana, to William and Juanita (Hemingway) Appel. He graduated from Bosse High School in 1955. Jim retired from the Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 after 42 years. He was a member of the Masonic Reed Lodge #316 F. & A.M., and the Scottish Rite for over 50 years. He was the Scout Leader of Troop 325 in Newburgh, Indiana. He also volunteered at Legacy Thrift (Bibles for Missions) Thrift Store in Jenison, Michigan. Jim enjoyed square dancing for 25 years. Since 1955, he has gone to every Indy 500 race. Jim was also a NASCAR fan and went to the Brickyard 400 regularly. He enjoyed camping all across America.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia “Cindy” (Honderd) Appel; daughter, Ramona Appel Stone; sister, Brenda Stock; brother, Keith Appel; daughter-in-law, Dana Appel; stepchildren, Ric Vander Ark (Lori), Dave Vander Ark (Tammi), Lori (Ed) DeBartolo; grandchildren, Christopher Stone Sr. (Karina); Ashley Riddle (Tejay), Renee Appel; great-grandchildren, Christopher Stone Jr., Eliana Stone, Elijah Miller, Lana Miller, Aren Riddle, and Isaac Riddle; and many nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, William and Juanita Appel; first wife, Nina (Alexander) Appel; sister, Connie Hayden; son, Scott Appel; and stepson, Mike Vander Ark.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, at Fellowship Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville, with Rev. Shawn Hulst officiating. The burial has already taken place at Park Lawn Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Legacy Thrift.