James Junior Kerkstra

James Junior Kerkstra, age 83, of Alto, formerly of Wyoming, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 3, 2025.  He proudly served in the 101st. Airborne in the U.S. Army.  Jim had a beautiful voice, and started a rock band years ago.   He retired from Steelcase and later enjoyed driving across country in the trucking industry.  He had a great sense of humor and could stretch a story into a great tale.  He also enjoyed casino visits, gardening, and swimming in his daughter’s pool with family.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, fishing, sledding with the kids and being involved in many family events.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtice Lee (Werner); daughter, Jamie Annette Winter; son-in-law, James Lee Higgins; grandson, James Lee Higgins Jr.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters: Renee Higgins, Mickey and Rick Bidwell; son-in-law, Steve Winter;  grandchildren: Ashley (Curt) Kooienga, Heather (A.J.) Almy, Zachary (Rachael) Droog, Jax (fiancée Tori) Droog, Jaydyn Winter, Jessica (Jimmy) Daniels, Rick Jr. (Lindsay) Bidwell, Matthew Bidwell; granddaughter-in-law, Jen Higgins; 18 great grandchildren; siblings: Sandy Welch, Pam (Mark) Wickering, Ron (Clara) Kerkstra; sister-in-law, Allyson (Michael) Anderson; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Corewell Health Hospice.