James Jerome "Jim" Heynen

James Jerome 'Jim' Heynen, age 90 , entered into eternal life on Sunday August 14, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He was 14 days short of his 91st birthday. A life-long resident of Grand Rapids, Jim was born on August 28, 1931, to Adriance and Regnera (Huizenga) Heynen. After he graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1949, he joined the United States Coast Guard. Jim proudly served during Korean Conflict on the USCGC Woodbine in Grand Haven Michigan and the USCGC Newell in Honolulu, Hawaii. Once back home, Jim attended Ferris Institute and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, a field in which he would work for 37 years. In 1956, Jim met his future wife, Jacqueline Kulhawik who he married on February 15, 1958, at St. Adalbert’s Church. He was in the Ushers’ Club at St. Adalbert’s and Holy Spirit Church which would later become his home parish, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3104. Jim was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post #1058, for which he served as lay chaplain. Jim loved to travel from an early age. He enjoyed sharing stories of childhood train trips to such places as New York City and California with his parents and brothers, on the railroad for which his father worked. As an adult, Jim’s favorite trips included 6 weeks spent traveling to Alaska via the Alaska Marine Highway and to California to the 1998 Rose Bowl where his favorite University of Michigan Wolverines beat Washington State University to take the National Championship. His favorite destination close to home was Grand Haven, where Jim spent many happy hours with his Coast Guard friends at the Coast Guard Festival and Woodbine reunions, and with his wife spending leisurely days walking the pier, sitting by the channel and at the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 where he was a member. Jim is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; daughter Catherine; brother-in-law James (Marie) Kulhawik; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and their wives, Alfred, Charles (Margaret), and Richard (Nina) Heynen, and by his father- and mother-in-law Walter and Emily Kulhawik. Visitation will be at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW on Wednesday from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm with the rosary prayed at 7:00 pm. The Mass of the Christian Burial and Committal will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Church on Thursday at 11:00 am , where he will repose one hour prior to Mass. The family wishes to thank Kindred Hospice for their caring and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Spirit Educational Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

James Jerome "Jim" Heynen

August 28, 1931 - August 14, 2022