James Shepard

Jim Shepard went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 26th, 2018 while doing one of his favorite things, gardening in his sunny yard alongside his beloved wife, Maxine. Born James Fredrick Shepard on June 27, 1937 in Grand Rapids, MI to Donovan and Alice (Schroeder) Shepard, Jim grew up alongside siblings Donovan Jr. (deceased), Karel and Tom. The family spent many glorious days on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Jim loved and enjoyed his family above all else. Spending summer afternoons on the back patio grilling chicken, surrounded by kids and grandkids, brought him so much joy. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maxine (Goss) Shepard; children (grandchildren); Shelley and Ward Esaak (David, Steven and Margaret); Scott and Amy (Venn) Shepard (Daniel, David and Andrew); Sheila and Eugene Symborski (Mark); Stephen and Kristy (Klingshirn) Shepard (Amelia, Annalise and Adeline); sister, Karel (Shepard) Hein of Florida; brother, Thomas and Glenna (Streeter) Shepard of Texas; sisters-in-law, Ruth Foltz Beck and Beverly (Peters) Goss; many nieces and nephews. Jim has passed his love for boating onto many of his children and grandchildren. He had a passion and gift for teaching safe and enjoyable boating to many. Jim was past commander of the Grand Rapids Power Squadron where he was awarded the District 9 Award for Excellence in Teaching as well as the prestigious national Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching. Jim would most want to be remembered for his love of Jesus, family, friends, boating, history, a good pun, and this great country. M Go Blue! Please join us at the memorial visitation on Thursday, May 3rd, 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 4th, 11:00am Calvary Church Chapel (entrance C), 707 E. Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Jim’s name to The Mary Free Bed Foundation, 235 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/?key=MRLAVDC6P87TEUU2TZQJ