James Blackford

James R. Blackford, age 90, of Jenison, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 19, 2026. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jim proudly served his country in the US Navy stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He deeply loved his family and found joy in staying active through running, biking, and walking. He took pride in his career as a meat cutter and also enjoyed deer processing. His greatest passion was spreading the gospel and reaching the lost. Selfless by nature, he always put the needs of others before his own, no matter what challenges he himself may have been facing. Above all, he loved Jesus and lived his life faithfully for Him. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Blackford, mother  Marion (Mike) Smith; and brother, Thomas Blackford. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife (angel) of 69 years, Barbara; his children, Thomas and Ellen Blackford, Douglas Blackford, Cheryl and Karl Estelle, Michelle and Trevor Haney; grandchildren, Thomas and Rebecca Blackford, James and Halie Blackford, Caleb Blackford and fiancée Mercede Larson, Douglas and Lauren Blackford, Alex and Leah Blackford, Chelsea and Aaron VanZee, Colton and Karmen Posthumus, Lauren and Jeff Helmholdt, Jared Haney, Aaron and Kate Haney; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara and Chuck Tooman; sister-in-law, Sandy Cole; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Resurrection Life Church (Rez Center), 5100 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Dave Christians officiating. Burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday, January 29, from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.