James L. DeHorn, age 73, of Hudsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. James proudly served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corp as a Staff Sergeant. James taught at Allendale High School for 40 years as an English teacher, coached football for 25 years, and was a golf coach for 5 years. He also coached football at Hope College for 10 years. James was elected to the hall of fame for both the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and Michigan High School Coaches Association. He served the past 11 years as Director of Adult Education and Discipleship at Fellowship Reformed Church. James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Louise DeHorn. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Karen; children and grandchildren, Kyle and Melissa DeHorn (Madisyn, Kaden, Peyton), Kristyn DeHorn (Kasey and Kamryn Smith), Kurtis and Stephanie DeHorn (Braelyn, Maya, Coby); sister, Patricia and Roger Newell; sisters-in-law, Diane and Dick Wynsma, Carla and Dennis Radford; brothers-in-law, Gary and Mary Brouwer, Ronald and Nancy Brouwer, Harlan and Michele Brouwer; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 11 am at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville, with Rev. Shawn Hulst officiating. Burial Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, August 29 from 2-4 and 6-9 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages blood donations in honor of James. Monetary donations may be directed to Versiti Blood Center of Michigan (https://www.versiti.org/ways-to-give/supporting-versiti/financial-giving) or to the American Cancer Society.
Funeral Service
Monday, August 30
11:00am
Fellowship Church
6610 36th Ave.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
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Leave Your Tribute Message
September 01, 2021 10:05pm
I was privileged to be a student of Mr. DeHorn’s for two years of high school English, and the impact he made cannot be overstated. He was an encourager through and through, radiated confidence in his students, and brought out the best in everyone. My prayers are with the DeHorn family and all who loved him.
- Monica (Molly) Cook Inhulsen
August 30, 2021 1:43pm
I will always remember Jim from our high school days in Coopersville. I was so shocked to hear of his passing. He was a great friend and buddy!!! My sympathy to his family and loved ones.
- Judy Johnson Driedger
August 30, 2021 9:22am
Karen and Family ; God is with you and will give you peace , our prayers are with you all. Carol and Ken Noorman
- Kenneth Noorman
August 29, 2021 9:06pm
Karen and family, it was with great surprise that we received the new of Jim's passing. We wish to send your entire family our heartfelt sympathy.
We remember the good times that we shared with you and Jim while teaching, coaching, many trips to Chicago and simple get togethers as good friends. We will hold you in our prayers and know God will give you the strength your family will need.
- Tom and Kathy Kieft
August 29, 2021 3:48pm
When Fellowship Church needed a devoted Christ follower to faithfully lead and encourage our spiritual growth, God sent the Marines! Oorah! Thanking God for the life of Jim De Horn! He will be MISSED! Deep sympathy and continuing prayers for you and your family, Karen, in the loss of such a dear Husband, Dad and Grandpa!
- Tom and Gwen Snoeyink
August 29, 2021 9:30am
I was fortunate to know Mr DeHorn growing up in church together and as a teacher. Some of my favorite memories would be of him having a bumper stick in his room saying “only prayer allowed in school is someone just before taking a test”. I video taped the football games one year and he gave me an award saying I was the “Video Master”. He treated everyone with respect and kindness. He expected a lot and got a lot out of people. You will be missed sir!
- Doug
August 27, 2021 11:15pm
I was sad to hear of Jim's passing tonight. I was fortunate to have Mr. DeHorn as my 6th grade teacher. I will always remember the travelog he share with us, showing beautiful Germany. Nor the day he had us experience how to live in a communist country. By the end of that day, he had us grateful to live in the USA! He was a man filled with a passionate energy that he passed on in his teaching and coaching. My condolences to Karen and the rest of the family. He will be remembered fondly.
- Vicki Rebentisch Fredricks
August 27, 2021 6:16pm
Mr. DeHorn was one of the best teachers I had in my academic career. He made me understand how to diagram a sentence. Ha
He was full of passion. I always wished I had had him as a coach in one of my sports.
He was a gift to all that were lucky to have experienced him.
Many hugs to all who loved him.
- Ruth E. Crowe
August 27, 2021 11:14am
Jim lived out his faith daily! He encouraged others to do so as well and for that we will be forever grateful. Romans 12:2
From our time with him at Terra Verde Golf Course to serving and worshipping together at Fellowship; Jim was fun, kind, encouraging and a man not afraid to share his heart & faith. Thank you for letting your love for our savior speak so clearly in everything you did. You will be missed, but we are grateful that it's not good bye - just see you later. Soli Deo Gloria
- Brian & Laura Laninga
August 26, 2021 10:43pm
My Grandaughter just asked me today who my favorite teacher was, Coach DeHorn was definitely near the top of my list. He was a big part of my growing up as my wrestling coach for 3 of 4 highschool years and 1 year at Hope college. I learned so much more than wrestling from him. He handled everything with class and taught us to do the same. Gods peace to his family.
- Don Groeneveld
August 26, 2021 8:44pm
I was blessed to have Mr. DeHorn as my senior English teacher. He was truly the best and encouraged us all to strive for our best. He also lives out his Christian example for all to see, he will be missed.
- Chaeli Meerman
August 26, 2021 8:43pm
I was blessed to have Mr. DeHorn as my senior English teacher. He was truly the best and encouraged us all to strive for our best. He also lives out his Christian example for all to see, he will be missed.
- Chaeli Meerman
August 26, 2021 11:57am
Thank you Coach Dehorn for the lasting impact you have had on all of us former athletes and students. No one could ever question your passion and your enthusiasm. Coach was always a selfless servant of the Lord. He sacrifice many things including time away from his family to make a difference in young men's lives. He poured himself into the Lord and showed the world what being a man of God is. He was also a man of forgiveness. I am forever grateful to him for the time and energy he spent coaching me about more than just football even when I didn't realize it at the time. I can only imagine the joy and excitement he is experiencing being home with his father in heaven. To the family please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace in comfort in the Lord as well. Peace be with you.
- Jim Kelly
August 26, 2021 10:23am
Thank you Coach. You set an example that we all should strive for but few could match. It's been said that there are not many people that can make as much impact on the lives of others as a Coach. In 50 years of coaching others to be better in so many ways, I'm not sure one could quantify your impact. Well done good and faithful servant.
My sincerest condolences to Karen, Kyle, Kristyn, Kurt and your families. You are in our prayers.
- Phillip Merrill
August 26, 2021 9:23am
I’m so sorry to hear of Coach Dehorns passing, big loss. I had the privilege of being coached by him at Hope college for four great years. His enthusiasm and positive energy was amazing and contagious to everyone around him. Coach DeHorn had time for everyone on our team from the first string to the last, didn’t matter to him one bit. What a great man and role model to all of us. I’m honored Coach shared some of his time, energy, and life lessons with me. Sending positive vibes to the families of one of the best guys I’ve ever met!
- Mitch Wacksman
August 26, 2021 8:51am
Jim was a great friend to me and my boys when they were growing up!! He will be missed by many so sorry for your lose Karen
- Marva Donovan
August 26, 2021 7:20am
I had the privilege of playing football at Hope under Coach DeHorn. The energy and passion he brought to the field every day saturated his players and we wanted to work hard, for him. Coach's faith was evident in everything he did, and his passion for life and football still influences me today.
-Ryan Kerstetter
- Ryan
August 26, 2021 7:01am
Mr. De Horn was the best of the best teachers. I loved watching him coach and the way he smiled.. I had him for 6th grade and throughout high school. He always encouraged me as an athlete to work hard and love every minute of it. I am so sorry for your loss Karen and family. Peace and comfort be with you all during this time of grief. I'll always remember him.
- Jackie McClure
August 26, 2021 6:55am
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this time. It was a privilege to have Mr. DeHorn as my English teacher at AHS.
- Emily TenHarmsel
August 25, 2021 10:01pm
Mr. DeHorn had an enormous impact on me when I was one of his students at AHS. I’ll never Forget the hand written note he gave me to encourage me. I’m very sorry for your loss.
- Teresa Farmer
August 25, 2021 9:18pm
Mr DeHorn was an amazing teacher who challenged his students and prepared them for college. Prayers for comfort and peace for his family.
- Kelly Krueger
August 25, 2021 8:51pm
Praying for the whole family through this tough lost, may Jesus give you peace/comfort in the days to come. i"m thankful i knew mr. dehorn when i was in High School at Allendale Public...
- Kevin Carlson
August 25, 2021 8:40pm
What an enormous loss for Pastor Jim’s family and the FRC family. Pastor Jim was our first introduction to FRC and we’ve always had a special place for him in our hearts. What a loss.
- Bruce Hoeker
August 25, 2021 8:37pm
Sorry to hear of coach DeHorn's passing. He was a man among men. He was a compassionate coach, always trying to get the most from his players. I am glad that I met him. My condolences to Karen and family.
- Rob and Vicki McMurray
August 25, 2021 8:24pm
It was great to know Jim while attending Fellowship Reformed Church. Rest easy, Jim, you will be missed/
- Jonathan Koster
August 25, 2021 7:05pm
I was blessed that I met Mr. DeHorn in 7th grade at Allendale Public School. He set high standards for himself and those that were fortunate to be a part of his life. He made a difference and will be missed.
- Dave & Brenda Arendsen, Jr.
