Martin James Martinus

Martin James Martinus, born on November 23, 1946, entered the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 19, 2021. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI, to Dr. Martin and Irene Martinus, the eldest of 3 children. He attended Seymour Christian School, Grand Rapids Christian High School, and Dordt College. He found a passion and love for Christian ministry and teaching when he was a youth camp counselor, and upon graduating college taught middle school science for 27 years in the Chicagoland area. After moving to Michigan, he became a batcher at Grand Rapids Gravel. Jim was a hard-working provider taking on various side jobs including basketball coach, school bus driver, garbageman, and cement truck driver, always sacrificing to provide a Christian education for his children. As a father and family man, he always made time for his children, cheering at their events, leading in family worship, and helping anyone in need. He was a faithfully devoted husband who loved his wife wholeheartedly for all to see. After retirement, his hobbies included gardening, traveling, boating, and woodworking with a specialty in intricate birdhouses. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack during the night.

He married Harriet Addink on June 11, 1969. They lived briefly in Minnesota before moving to the Chicagoland area, where they spent 25 years and raised 6 children. After retiring from teaching, they moved to Michigan, where they spent their next 26 years.

Survivors include Harriet Martinus, his wife of 52 years; his children, Jackie and Eric Boss, Karen and Juanito Moore, Rachelle Sal, Jill and Todd Pederson, Rick and Ashley Martinus, and Jim and Alisha Martinus; 17 grandchildren; and his siblings, Mary and Curt DeJongh, William and Shirley Martinus, Mary Steward of Jesus, Duane and Kathy Addink, Larry and Sharidee Addink, Ken and Barb Addink, Gene and Betty Addink, Alma and Jim DeVries, and Betty and Kevin Moss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Irene Martinus; his parents-in-law, Dick and Hilda Addink; and siblings, John Steward of Jesus, and Marilyn and William Moore.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Fairway Christian Reformed Church, 1165 44th St., Jenison, with Rev. Ed Tamminga officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian school of your choice.