Jim Idema

IDEMA - Jim Idema, age 53, passed away Sunday evening January 4, 2015. He was a wonderful father, husband, son and brother. He loved cooking with his daughter and watching his son excel in Wrestling at Northview. He was the founder/writer/director and producer of Brandella Films, his production company which has made two shorts, Respect for the Dead and Hearts Desire. His latest project was a feature film called "I Wish" which premiered at Celebration Cinema North. He was a freelance writer and sports reporter for MLive/Advance Newspapers and has been published in Michigan Home and Lifestyle Magazine, I Magazine and Grand Rapids Family Magazine to name a few. Jim had a Masters Degree in Strategic Business Management from Davenport University and had spent some time adjunct teaching there as well. Jim was also proud to have served his country in the US Navy and will be honored by the active military Honor Guard as a part of the funeral service. He loved the annual Galle' Family Survivor campout and played the part of "Jeff" beautifully. "We are very sorry to extinguish his torch". He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Debbie; son Brandon; daughter Isabella; parents, Earl and Jean Idema; brother Rick and sister Shirley. He will be greatly missed by his wife's family as well; his mother in law, Corrie Galle'; brothers and sisters in law, Astrid (Todd) Strait, Wallie (Els) Galle', John (Bev) Galle', Eric Galle', Heidi (J.C.) Piela; along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 9, 2015 at Our Lady of Consolation, 5001-11 Mile Rd., Rockford. His family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday from 5 to 8 PM at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE. Interment Plainfield Twp. Cemetery. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jim E. Idema please visit our Sympathy Store.