James Russell Vande Poel, 86, of Holland, MI, passed away on November 4, 2024 in Holland, surrounded by family.
Jim was born to Russell and Olive Vande Poel, on June 29, 1938 in Holland. He was raised on 12th street along with his two sisters, Mary and Sara. They attended First Reformed Church. He graduated from Holland High School and later attended Hope College.
Jim met his wife Irene while attending an event on the Milwaukee Clipper in Holland in 1963. The two fell in love quickly and were married on June 12, 1964. It wasn’t long until they added to their family with the birth of son Eric, and later Dirk and Joel.
In 1962, Jim, became a partner in his Father’s business, Superior Sport Store. He purchased the business five years later, and opened another store with his wife, Irene, in Grand Haven MI. In 1978, the couple opened a third store in Jenison, MI. and in the mid 1980s, Irene opened Superior Lady in downtown Holland. Jim remained active in the business for over 60 years.
Jim was an avid tennis player, participating on one of the state’s top teams while attending Holland High School. He later played competitively for several years and continued to play while vacationing during the winter months in Arizona and Florida. He was passionate about his family and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their various sports and activities, rarely missing an opportunity to offer his support.
Jim was also passionate about public service. He served as a member of the Holland City Council from 1973 to 1981, was recognized by the Holland Jaycees for his distinguished service and served a one year term as President of Tulip Time. He was also an active member of First Reformed Church and then later Calvary Reformed Church.
Jim will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends. He was most happy being surrounded by his loved ones and had a special ability to make others feel comfortable through his humor and laughter. He positively impacted hundreds of people throughout his life and left a legacy that will be ongoing indefinitely.
Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Irene, Sister, Mary Vande Poel, children Eric and Amy (Johnson) Vande Poel, Dirk and Darci (Fischer) Vande Poel and Joel and Heidi (Zwart) Vande Poel. He is also survived by grandchildren, Shannon (Taylor) Hopkins, Shawni (Mitch) Torres, Haily (Jay) Hickey, Tyler (Bailey) Vande Poel, Jamie (Wes) Pulver, Colleen Vande Poel, Jacklyn Vande Poel, Russell Vande Poel and Mari Vande Poel. He is also survived by 8 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by parents Russell and Olive Vande Poel and sister Sara Van Hekken.
Funeral service will be held at First Reformed Church of Holland on Monday November, 11 at 11:00 with Reverend David Smits officiating, followed by a gathering at the church. Visitation will be held at Mulder Chapel on Sunday November, 10 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Dykstra Funeral Home will be handling the funeral home arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland Mi. 49423.
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