Jay Datema

Jay Eugene Datema, age 88, of Jenison, passed away to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Jay was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His career was in tool and die and after retirement he enjoyed using his talents to build and fix things. Jay and Ruth Ann loved to travel around the United States in their motorhome and were able to visit most of the 50 states. He was also a faithful board member for over 35 years at his beloved credit union. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marcia Datema; parents, Louis and Jessie Datema; sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Harvey Mast. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 26 years, Ruth Ann Datema; children, Shari and Mike Brookhouse, Thomas and Sheri Datema; grandchildren, Alisha and Jim Martinus, Grant and Rachel Brookhouse, Luke and Hannah Datema, Spencer Datema and friend, Taylor Scheidel; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Eloise, and Micah Martinus, Tanner and McKayla Brookhouse; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Joyce Yntema, Jerald and Patricia VandenBerg, Anita and Richard Boss; and many nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 9, at 10 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Rev. Shawn Hulst officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Sunday, December 8, from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.