Jay Ver Meer

March 4, 1948 ~
January 3, 2021

Jay Ver Meer, age 72, of Hudsonville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Jay was a loving husband, father, and boppa who dearly loved his family. He was blessed with a fun-loving personality, had a contagious laugh and would put a smile on the face of everyone who knew him. Jay began his career as a paramedic for Bud’s Ambulance and also worked for Life EMS. He retired from Kent County Sheriff Department Communications after 20 years and also served the Wyoming and Walker Police Department. He served his Lord with his time and talents in many ways at Cottonwood Church where he was especially involved with the high school singing group, Gratitude. A party waiting to happen, Jay was an avid sports fan and motor enthusiast. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Helene Ver Meer and his parents-in-law, Bud and Betty Kapteyn. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Edie; children, Toni and Ian Verhey, Brant and Caitlin Ver Meer; grandson, Connor Verhey; his siblings, Jeannie Ver Meer, Jana and Obie VanDyk; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sharon and Dan Elzinga, Randy and Kathy Kapteyn, Jeff and Laura Kapteyn; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of Jay’s life will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 7 pm at Cottonwood Church, 1101 Cypress Dr., Jenison, with Rev. Matthew Palsrok officiating. The service will be available via livestream at www.cottonwoodcrc.com/live. Burial Winchester Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Thursday from 5-7 pm prior to the service at church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hudsonville Christian School or Unity Christian School.

Memorial Visitation: Thursday, January 7 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Memorial Visitation
Thursday, January 7
5:00pm - 7:00pm

Cottonwood Church
1101 Cyprus Dr.
Jenison, MI 49428

Celebration of Life: Thursday, January 7 | 7:00pm

Celebration of Life
Thursday, January 7
7:00pm

Cottonwood Church
1101 Cyprus Dr.
Jenison, MI 49428

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 08, 2021

Edie, so sorry to hear about Jay. Remember the good times. I remember when you were just dating. So many good memories to mention. May he RIP.

- Mike Swartzlander

January 08, 2021

We regret that we could not be physically present in MI with our family for Uncle Jay's memorial and celebration of life, but we send our love, prayers, thoughts and memories from Arizona. Uncle Jay was one of the kindest, sweetest souls you could hope to meet. The glint in his eye accompanying a humorous comment, followed by his easy laugh, will be dearly missed. Sending all our love to you Aunt Edie, Toni, and Brant.

- Jeremy, Michelle, Max, and Sadie Kapteyn

January 07, 2021

Dear Edie, Toni, Brant, and all of you. My heart breaks for you as you go through this difficult, challenging and unexpected time. I couldn't be there in person given Jim's immunocompromised status but I wanted to be. You have my deepest sympathies and my continued prayers for healing and to take one step at a time, one day at a time, as you struggle through your grief. Know that I am here for you if ever I can be in any way. Jay was a really special person and I know he will be DEEPLY missed. God bless you.

- Vicki Stewart

January 07, 2021

My condolences to Edie and the family. Having had the pleasure of working with Edie I have fond memories of work-related social gatherings where my husband Brian and I had a chance to meet Jay and enjoy his engaging personality and wonderful sense of humor.

- Karen Obits

January 06, 2021

Jay, You will be missed by all. I have nothing but great memories of working with you at Kent County. You made a stressful job fun and showed us all how to enjoy life.

- Ron E Pawloski

January 06, 2021

Sympathies for the VerMeer family. What a pillar of a gentleman. He was always the sunshine on a cloudy day! Having breakfast for the past few years every week or two is going to be tough on me. His smile, laughter, and personality are infectious. May God comfort his family during this difficult time. Till we meet again brother! Dick Schipper

- Dick Schipper

January 06, 2021

Our sympathies and prayers to the Ver Meer family. Always enjoyed talking to Jay at Wyoming PD and Kent County. The topics were usually Pella (Iowa) bologna and banket. Grace and Peace.

- John and Deb Meppelink

January 06, 2021

We dispatchers at the Grand Rapids Police & Fire Departments admired and respected Jay’s dispatching skills. It was reassuring to hear his voice on the radio, intercom or telephone on the frequent occasions that our two offices worked together.

- Mike DeKam

January 05, 2021

I worked with Jay at Michigan blood. We always had a good time. He was a gentle soul. The common theme is his laughter and attitude. He will be missed. May he Rest In Peace.

- Steve Uzarski

January 05, 2021

Although we haven't connected for a couple of years, we will miss Jay. A lot of laughs and great times. Our sympathy to Edie and you family. Don & Cheryl

- Donley De Groot

January 05, 2021

Jay you are missed my friend. Best laugh ever. Ever the pleasant guy with a good joke or two. Will miss you at breakfast in Hudsonville. My love to you Edie and the children

- Bruce Murray MD Vero Beach Fl

January 05, 2021

Jay was such a great person to be around. Always a great attitude and such a contagious laugh. It was an honor to know him. In an occupation sometimes filled with tragedy and sorrow, Jay was definitely the light. Rest In Peace my friend.

- Randy Kieft

January 05, 2021

It was great knowing you Jay. I'll never forget the trip to Europe with you, Doug, and myself. Thanks for the memories.

- Bryce Menninga

January 05, 2021

When I worked on the road at KCSD I enjoyed stopping in the dispatch office to talk to the dispatchers and of course Jay was one of them. He was such a friendly good natured person. Never a bad work about anyone. His laugh was catchy. He was alway positive. I think God will keep him busy. Even up there he will have a lot to offer. God bless his family.

- Roger Zoppa

January 05, 2021

Although I did not Jay personally, Edie whom we work with described him and thus we could invision Jay's life and conributions vicariously through her. My sincere condolences for you on your great loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Our Sunday Mass Intention will be in honor of Jay, and we pray for the repose of his soul. May God Bless you and your family through this most difficult time.-Dr. Marc

- Rev Fr. Dr Marc Morales

January 05, 2021

Although I did not Jay personally, Edie whom we work with described him and thus we could invision Jay's life and conributions vicariously through her. My sincere condolences for you on your great loss. You and your family would be in my thoughts and prayers. Our Sunday Mass Intention will be in honor of Jay, and we pray for the repose of his soul. May God Bless you and your family through this most difficult time.-Dr. Marc

- Rev Fr. Dr Marc Morales

January 05, 2021

What a great pleasure it was working with Jay! His laugh and sense of humor helped us all get through some of our toughest days at work and he always seemed to see the good in everyone. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family. May they feel God's peace and presence during this very difficult time.

- Liz Rethman

January 05, 2021

You all have my deepest sympathy Jay was one special person. He was an absolute joy to work with always smiling always a kind word. And always always a hug a big bear hug. He will be missed beyond measure. He will remain in my heart forever. Peace to family and friends. 🙏🏻

- Barbara Fodor

January 05, 2021

I am honored and blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jay for so many years. He always had a smile and always made me laugh. May his many fond memories bring you comfort during these difficult times, my thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am so sorry for your loss.

- Beth Hatch-Markowski

January 04, 2021

Jay, it was an honor to work alongside you all those years. You made work alot more fun and we made so many great memories! You are enjoying your reward in heaven with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ--until we meet again, dear friend--Rest in Peace.

- Liz Kik