After 65 years of living his life on his own terms, James A. VanderPloeg lost his final battle with colon cancer on Monday, May 6, 2019, leaving his spirit to embark on the next step of his journey toward peace. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gloria VanderPloeg; previous wife, Nedra; niece, Rebecca; cousins, Doug and Damon. He leaves behind his wife, Jan; brother, David; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and step children. As per his wishes, cremation has already taken place. There will be no services. Those who wish to memorialize Jim may consider a gift in his name to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of West Michigan. Perhaps an even greater memorial to Jim would be for all who knew him to monitor their health closely for signs of changes in bowel habits, signs of bleeding, and to have that colonoscopy when your doctor orders it.