Obituary for James M. "Jim" Bolhouse
James (Jim) M. Bolhouse passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday November 19, 2022. According to his wishes, his remains have been cremated. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 29, 1927. He was the son of Herbert and Helen Bolhouse. He proudly served our country in Germany during World War II, and after the war ended, he was introduced to Barbara O’Harrow. The parents of both youngsters arranged for them to meet at a Donkey Basketball game. They quickly fell in love, and the couple was married December 21, 1946.
Jim and Barb raised three sons, spending time at the cottage, water skiing, snowmobiling, building boats—basically enjoying life to the fullest. There were few things he could not repair or build himself.
Jim was a builder by trade and secured a position at Plainfield Lumber and Hardware. He began his career building roof trusses, but expanded into building homes and churches, including two of his own homes and cottages. He mentored many young men with his skills and work ethic. He was proud of his Dutch heritage and was a longtime member of the Aberdeen Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. He was an accomplished organist, and often played for the church at Sunday services and other occasions. He retired from the building business at a relatively young age, but continued doing volunteer work, where he used his building skills to help the church and those in need, including restoration work in Puerto Rico after a hurricane and the building of Irons Union Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Bolhouse (Effie) and middle son, David Bolhouse (Brenda).
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, son Roger, his wife Kristina; son Robert (Bob) and his wife Valerie; his grandchildren Matthew Bolhouse and Nick Bolhouse (Roger); Anne Detmers and Chris Bolhouse (David); Laurel Stelzer, Angel Wileman, and Mariel Bolhouse (Bob) as well as twelve great-grandchildren.
Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.
Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 29, 1927. He was the son of Herbert and Helen Bolhouse. He proudly served our country in Germany during World War II, and after the war ended, he was introduced to Barbara O’Harrow. The parents of both youngsters arranged for them to meet at a Donkey Basketball game. They quickly fell in love, and the couple was married December 21, 1946.
Jim and Barb raised three sons, spending time at the cottage, water skiing, snowmobiling, building boats—basically enjoying life to the fullest. There were few things he could not repair or build himself.
Jim was a builder by trade and secured a position at Plainfield Lumber and Hardware. He began his career building roof trusses, but expanded into building homes and churches, including two of his own homes and cottages. He mentored many young men with his skills and work ethic. He was proud of his Dutch heritage and was a longtime member of the Aberdeen Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. He was an accomplished organist, and often played for the church at Sunday services and other occasions. He retired from the building business at a relatively young age, but continued doing volunteer work, where he used his building skills to help the church and those in need, including restoration work in Puerto Rico after a hurricane and the building of Irons Union Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert Bolhouse (Effie) and middle son, David Bolhouse (Brenda).
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, son Roger, his wife Kristina; son Robert (Bob) and his wife Valerie; his grandchildren Matthew Bolhouse and Nick Bolhouse (Roger); Anne Detmers and Chris Bolhouse (David); Laurel Stelzer, Angel Wileman, and Mariel Bolhouse (Bob) as well as twelve great-grandchildren.
Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.