Phillip “Phil” Jousma

Phillip “Phil” Jousma went home to Jesus on May 31, 2026, after waging a courageous and faith-filled battle against cancer. He was a man of few wasted words and abundant love — a husband, a father, a farmer, a hunter, and a man whose roots ran as deep as the land he called home.

Phil grew up with diesel in his veins. A third-generation truck driver, he spent most of his life behind the wheel, from navigating the long stretches of open highway that tested both patience and character to maneuvering through a log site or a field being worked. The road was his second home; solitary, demanding, and honest and Phil met it on its own terms. But no matter how far the haul took him, his heart never left Alto.

When Phil was home, he was fully home. Together with his wife, Jenny, he tended a small, generational farm that had been in her family for decades. It is a place of cattle and chickens, of early mornings and seasonal rhythms, of dirt on your boots and purpose in your work. Phil and Jenny, both raised on dairy farms, built a life there that was rich in the things that matter most. The farm wasn’t just land; it was their legacy.

Phil was an avid outdoorsman who found deep peace in God’s creation. Whether he was settled into a deer blind before dawn or moving quietly through the timber, he was most himself in the woods. Hunting wasn’t a hobby, it was a way of living fully and gratefully in the world God made.

In 2016, Phil received a cancer diagnosis that would have broken a lesser man. Instead, it revealed what those who loved him already knew: Phil Jousma was not easily moved. He faced his illness with quiet strength, surrounded by family and supported by friends. His faith remained his anchor and his family remained his reason.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Jenny; his children, Lavonda Gale (Matthew, Lily and Leighton) Graboskey, Autumn (Omega) Jousma-Walker, Jolene Jousma; his honorary son, Jakob Reynolds and Alexis Jousma and children. He is also survived by his father, Dan Jousma I; mother, Gale Draper; mom, Cindy Keller-Jousma; sister, Kamulla Keller-Jousma; sister-in-law, Dayna Jousma; as well as siblings, nieces, nephews and countless family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Barb Jousma and Roy Benner; stepfather, David Draper, and brother, Daniel Jousma II.

Phil’s life reflected the words of Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He served his Lord, he served his family, and he served this community well.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 4 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, June 5 from 12-1 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following at 1 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St., Caledonia, MI 49316. Phil will make his final journey the way he lived much of his life — on the road. His graveside service will be open to all, and his procession will be led by a convoy of semi-trucks, a fitting farewell from the brotherhood of the road. Jenny, along with Phil’s best friend, Dave, will have the honor of driving him one last time, his casket carried on a lowboy trailer. Fellow truckers, family and friends are warmly invited to join the procession. The family asks that all guests proceed directly to the graveside following the service. A reception will not be held.

The family is grateful for every expression of love and sympathy. For those wishing to do something more, contributions toward funeral expenses would be a meaningful and welcome gift during this difficult time.