James “Jim” G.  Hennip

Hennip, James "Jim" James “Jim” Hennip, aged 75, of Byron Center, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, January 25, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerritt and Mary Hennip; father-in-law, Casey Potts; brother, Pete Hennip; and brother-in-law, Jim Behrens. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Connie; children, Kim (Bob) Weiland, Gloria (Tim) Buist, Stefanie (Scott) Veldhouse, Jeff (Jen) Hennip, Wendy (Andy) Grevenstuk; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet (Don) Rutgers, Chris Behrens; mother-in-law, Belle Potts; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, June Hennip, Vicki (Bruce) Strong, Sherri (Jerry) Decker, Duane (Letha) Potts, Wanda (Bob) Faber; and many nieces and nephews. Jim served in the US Army Reserves. He began working for TriAcoustic, a company started by his father-in-law, and retired from there after more than 40 years of employment. He then began helping Connie in her cake shop until her retirement three years ago. For the past six months, he loved delivering bagels in the early morning hours to a few area businesses for Big Apple Bagels. Jim loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and was always seen at all of their sporting and school events. He was always there, willing to help out in any way he could. One of Jim’s greatest pleasures in life was attending all of South Christian High School’s sporting events, no matter what sport it was. He was one of the school’s biggest fans. Funeral services for Jim will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at First Cutlerville Christian Reformed Church, 1425 - 68th Street SW, Byron Center with Dr. Randy Blacketer and Rev. Kenneth VanWyke officiating. Interment Winchester Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood on Tuesday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm and also on Wednesday at the church from 10-11 am prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to South Christian High School Sports Boosters or a charity of one’s choice.