James Douglas

Douglas, James Cromwell, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, afternoon, August 2nd, 2018 at the age of 89 after a long illness. Born on August 24th, 1928, in Hammond, Indiana to his Irish Immigrant parents, Rev. John Douglas and Emily Hill Douglas. Jim was raised in his favorite town, Hudsonville, Michigan during the sunrise years of his youth. He graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1946, where his tall, athletic physique earned him the nickname "Big Jim" and his participation in sports awarded him induction into the Hudsonville Hall of fame for lettering in baseball, football, and basketball. After graduating from Taylor University in 1951, where he continued to play baseball and football, he earned his Master's Degree in education from the University of Michigan. In 1953 he married the beautiful nurse, Martha VanDyke, who would become his indispensable wife of over 65 years. Jim served as a Middle School Principal for Cedar Springs Public Schools for over 30 years. His love of life was manifested in engaging with other people and supporting his children, adopting three children from the DA Blodgett home in Grand Rapids, supporting his eight grandchildren, and being a proud great-grandfather. His greatest love was for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and he was a proud member of Hudsonville Baptist Church, Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference, Calvary Undenominational Church in Grand Rapids, and Ada Bible Church. As the sun sets on the wonderful life Jim Douglas led, he will be missed by family and friends, especially his loving wife Martha; his three children, daughter, Sheryl L Haverkate, his son-in-law, Paul Haverkate, his son, James T. Douglas, his daughter, Lisa A. Payne; his eight grandchildren, Diana and Jillian Haverkate, Daniel Holt, Beau, Quinn and Crewe Douglas, Stephanie and Allison Payne; and his great-grandchildren, Parker and Fisher. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Douglas Palmer, Millicent Balthazar and Lorraine Douglas Spaak. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, John Wesley Douglas, who was killed serving his country in WWII, and his sister Esther Emily Shelley. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to their neighbors at Crystal Waters Lane for the many kindnesses shown to Jim, Faith Hospice of Trillium Woods for their professional and caring attention. The family also thanks the nurses and doctors at Spectrum Health and the many friends and family whose outpouring of support and encouragement brightened Jim's final years. A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held 6:00 PM Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Ada Bible Church, 3869 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. The service will be followed by a meal. To share a memory, photo, and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com As the Bible tells us, and as evidenced by the life, actions, and faith of James Cromwell Douglas, let us reflect upon the following verses from Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Cromwell Douglas please visit our Sympathy Store.