James G. Gearhart

James G. Gearhart, age 74, of Michigan and Arizona, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 in Arizona. Jim was born in Chicago on November 26, 1944, and moved to Fremont, MI, as a youngster. He lived there until graduating from Fremont High School in 1963. In 1966, he was inducted into the Army and served in the 25th “Tropic Lightning” Division in Vietnam, 1968. After the Army, Jim worked for Old Kent Bank and Ford Motor Credit in Grand Rapids, MI. He enjoyed his Ford family and would only drive a Ford/Lincoln product! Jim completed his bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in 1977. After Jim retired, he loved traveling and discussing Maize and Blue wherever he was in the country. Jim loved people and sharing life stories with each other. He was proud to be a member of the American Legion post 305 and loved seeing his friends there. He loved his family very much and always ended FaceTime calls with a hug and a kiss. Jim was a fighter throughout his life battle in both the war and his health. He never complained and loved to laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Regina Gearhart; Gram and Gramp Steves; and his in laws, George and Betty Radewald; brothers-in-law: Chip Radewald and Paul Cook; niece, Sarah Henry. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Carol; child, Jason and Andrea; granddaughters: Carleigh and Dilynn; brother and sister: Tom and Geri Gearhart, Verla Cook; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marc and Sharon Henry; many nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation of Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 16 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St., Caledonia. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.