James Blum

James Blum, age 67 of Kentwood Michigan born on August 22, 1950 went home to His Father God on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Jim is survived by his wife, Laura; two children: Eric Blum, Keri and Joe Snow; six grandsons. He is also survived by brothers, Mark Blum, Ken and Darcy Blum; brother-in-law, Michael and Paula “Shorty” Hansen; aunt, Janet Adams; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim grew up in Wyoming with his brothers and lots of neighborhood kids. It was easy to set up a sand lot baseball game nearly every day all summer long. After doing chores, he could be found riding bike, climbing trees, playing assorted games inside and outside, building tree houses and reading adventure books (Hardy Boys, Tom Swift). Baseball was his first love, which started in Little League and continued throughout high school for Godwin Heights High School. In recent years, Godwin Heights basketball games were a great source of joy for Jim and Laura. Go Wolverines! Jim enjoyed Byron Center Bible Church growing up and being active in youth group. While there he gained a solid foundation for a life of faith. After college, he pursued a career with Meijer and retired after 30 years. During that time, he helped raise his two wonderful children in Saranac. He also loved coaching both kid’s teams and church softball teams. Eric and Keri have given him six terrific grand boys Bailey, Ashton, Hunter, Brady, Lincoln and Caden. Jim finished his working career at Dean Country Fresh after nearly ten years. July 1, 2017 was the 17^th anniversary of being married to the love of his life. Laura has been his angel during his 2016 lung transplant and recent battle with cancer. Her care giving, compassion and love have been exceptional. His daughter Keri has been angel #2 during this difficult time, stepping up repeatedly for whatever needed to be done.  As a member of Kentwood Community Church, Jim was challenged and encouraged by Pastor Wayne and Pastor Kyle and enjoyed several volunteer opportunities during his 17 years of attending. The church staff, small group and many attenders have stepped up in massive amounts of prayer and with encouragement throughout the rough patches. The Freedom Fighters Men’s group, led by Tommy Diaz, made a powerful difference in Jim’s life. In his last couple of years, with extra time to read, pray and reflect; he got a closer glimpse of Father God’s heart. No matter what we have done in the past or are doing now, His perfect love is unconditional. “He is crazy in love with us!” Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Blum and Doris Blum. He was also preceded by brothers, John and David Blum as well as, several aunts and uncles. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Spectrum lung transplant team and Faith Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Jim. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 pm on Friday, September 8 at the Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Chapel (Kentwood) 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. A memorial celebration of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60^th St. SE, Kentwood MI, 49508.  The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.