James Hudson Tolan

James Hudson Tolan, age 76, of “Southern Caledonia,” was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 19, 2019.  Jim worked at Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) for 35 years. Outside of work, he had many other passions, including farming, hunting, and antique tractor pulling.  He spent countless hours on his Uncle Lee and Aunt Shirley’s farm, which he considered his second home. He was a founding charter member of the Caledonia Sportsman Club which began in 1973. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion.  He loved to deer hunt, but most of all enjoyed the camaraderie that went along with the season.  His garage turned into a local deer camp, where many stories were shared, cards played, and shirt tails cut off and hung from the missed shots.  Along with his fellow hunters, he helped host an annual venison dinner to thank local farmers for allowing them to hunt on their land. The tradition began in 1962 and was held above the old drug store on Main St. in the village of Caledonia. It later moved to the Sportsman Club, where the hunting stories and awards continued for over 54 years. In his later years, he enjoyed hunting with his son-in-law, daughter, grandsons and brother-in-law, where the deer story tradition continued on the Colburn Ranch. Above all else, his main passion was antique tractor pulling.  He, along with his many friends and family, started the County Line Antique Tractor Pullers Association.  The name “County Line” originated when the meetings were held at his home which was on the Kent/Allegan County line.  When he retired from KCRC, he was able to spend many hours hosting pulls in various locations around West Michigan, but his main source of pride was hosting the pull in his home town of Caledonia during the 4th of July celebrations.  He had many tractors, but his signature pull tractor was dubbed “Papa’s Putt Putt” because that’s how his grandsons asked for a ride.  He was a role model for his nephew, Kevin Tolan, who loves tractor pulling as much as he did.  He was also a member of the Fox Fire, Flat River, Lakeshore and Barry County Steam and Gas Association Clubs.  He was inducted into the Michigan Antique Tractor Pullers’ Hall of Fame in 2006.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, of 47 years; his parents and a sister.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Johanna and her loving family; daughter, Tina and Rick Colburn; grandchildren: Tucker Colburn (fianceé, Jamie Seif) and Ryan and Kayla Colburn; brothers (known as): (#2) Tom Tolan, (#3) Paul and Karen Tolan, (#4) Rocky  and Amy Tolan; brother-in-law,  Max Stevenson, Sr.; sisters-in-law: Arlene and Rog VanBelois, Linda Yaeger; and many more extended family members.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Leighton Church, 4180 2nd St., Caledonia.  Interment Lakeside Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St., Caledonia.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 305 and Alzheimer’s Association.