James A. Schuitman's Obituary
James (Jim) Arlen Schuitman, born in Grand Rapids,MI, on August 26, 1946, was called to his heavenly home on January 25, 2023. Jim attended Unity Christian High School graduating in 1964. He obtained his bachelor's degree in business from Ferris State University, then he furthered his education at the Virginia School of Banking. Jim served in the Army reserves from 1969-1975. Throughout his life, Jim lived in Jenison, Big Rapids, Lansing, Augusta Georgia, Suttons Bay, Grand Rapids, and Muskegon. He was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church of Grand Haven.
Jim's banking career was focused on the Consumer Lending Industry. He served numerous banks and credit unions in the West Michigan area, and was the vice president of several banking institutions. He enjoyed the customer service experience, often bringing donuts to various car dealerships on Saturday mornings with his daughters. Jim was known as an honest and compassionate lender often helping those who needed to restart their lives.
Jim had many passions in life that he shared with his family. He enjoyed fishing during his younger years with his father and later in life, he could be found on the golf course in the early mornings leading to afternoons, and summer afternoons and evenings were often spent with his family and friends on his boat. A passion project of his was his meticulously maintained yard, fondly being donned the nickname "Larry Lawn". Keeping up with his children and grandchildren and all their activities brought him great pride and joy. Jim loved celebrating their accomplishments through many sporting events, academic and musical endeavors. He enjoyed listening to, and was always proud of, his wife's organ skills and the various church choirs of bells and voices. Jim was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and always had a white hanky at the ready in his pocket. He was known to share with many a hanky, Werther's or Chap-Stick when they were in need.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arie and Albertha (Geers) Schuitman and his brother-in-law Lee McKay. He is survived by his wife Jean (Walkotten) Schuitman of 55 years, daughter Jill and Phillip Dreyer, daughter and son-in-law, Joy Schuitman-Collier and Peter Swanson, and daughter Jeana Schuitman.. Grandchildren; Cameron and Margarita, Cassidy and fiance Jay, Tyler, Carlyn, Alexandra, Victoria, and Charlotte. Great-Grandchildren Trystan, Ethan and Emrie, great-great grandchild Liam. He is also survived by his sister Myrna and brother-in-law Ward Steinstra. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Judith Walkotten, sisters-in-laws Ruth Walkotten and Susan McKay and special family friend Catherine Prenkert,
A Witness to the Resurrection Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 18th at Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Rd., Grand Haven, Michigan. A visitation will be held at 1:00PM with service to follow at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following Pancreatic Research Initiatives in Jim's honor: pancan.org/donate or lustgarten.org/donate. Also, a special music fund to honor his memory at Second CRC.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Vista Springs Northview for their love and care of Jim and affectionately giving him the nickname "Jimbo". Many returned on their day off to make sure they could express their love and say goodbye.
Shoreline Memorial Services of Muskegon Ph. 231-722-5050
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