James (Jim) Glen Whitford, age 84, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed into the loving embrace of our Lord on Saturday, March 28, 2020. He was born on July 10, 1935 in Cleveland, OH and attended Parma Schaaf High School where he met many life-long friends. He married Anne Robison in December of 1963 and they raised their three daughters in Vicksburg, MS, Cleveland, OH, and Milwaukee, WI, settling in Grand Rapids, MI. Throughout his life, Jim was active in church and sang in church choirs. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his amazing resilience, and his jokes (good and not so good). He is survived by his wife, Anne; his sister, Judy Higginbotham; his daughters, Jody (Dave) Cash, Wendy (Todd) Peuler, and Jamie (Curt) Groelsma; his grandchildren, Michael (Christina) Peuler, Caitlin Cash, Tressa Groelsma, Ashley Peuler, Taylor Cash, Jim Groelsma and his nieces and nephews. Jim had such an appreciation for all the medical personnel who have assisted with his care over the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help keep all medical personnel safe during this ongoing crisis. We hope you will celebrate Jim’s life with us and leave a fond memory of him on this page.
6 Responses
Wendy & Family – Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
Love and sympathy to the entire Whitford family. May you find comfort knowing he is with our Lord. Cherish your many memories. ❤
Anne and Family, we are sending our condolences for the passing of your husband, dad and grandpa. Jim was often thought of at our house, especially when we would have a bridge game and remembered his jokes and good card sense. Saying goodbye is never easy, but the sadness seems more difficult during this time when you can’t be with the people that want to share your grief and offer a sympathetic hug. Wishing you the peace of our Lord and His offering of a time we will reunite with our loved ones.
Marge and Jim Willman
Wendy and Todd, We did not know your dad personally but we knew your dad through you and how much you loved him! May your memories live on in you as you grieve over his loss and also celebrate that he is living all eternity in heaven. Blessings to you!
Dan and Nancy Wiersma
Anne, Jody, Wendy, and Jamie, Our deepest sympathy to you and your families in the loss of Jim. His big heart, warm smile, and generous spirit have made the world a better place. Years ago on a middle school retreat, Jim was nicknamed Papa Smurf by some of the teenagers. That image has stuck with us – he was an extra Dad to many students in his ministry at Cascade Christian Church, and always had time and a listening ear for every kid who came into his orbit. Jim was a gift and blessing to many, and a source of joy in our lives. May our Lord God be with you in this time of grief. With our loving thoughts and prayers, Jill and Mike Forton
Anne and family, My prayers for peace are with you. I remember playing bridge together