James Dykema

James A. Dykema, age 80, of Holland died Thursday March 25, 2010 in Bradenton, Florida. Jim was born on July 2, 1929 to John and Wilhelmina Dykema in Muskegon, Michigan. He attended Hope College in Holland, MI. After graduation he served in the United States Marine Corps in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Jim married Shirley Plaggemars in 1952. They enjoyed 49 years together and traveled throughout the U.S., including Alaska. After Shirley’s death Jim remarried Cork Hoffmeyer Dykema. They enjoyed retirement years together and traveled to Alaska, Europe, and Florida. Jim worked as an engineer at Donnelley Corporation in manufacturing, testing, waste water treatment, and held several U.S. patents. Jim was a member of Park Christian Reformed Church in Holland. He was a former member of Fourth Reformed Church and Christ Memorial Reformed Church and served in their consistories and outreach ministries. He was also a Stevens Minister. Jim was involved with crossroads Bible Ministries, Evergreen Chorale, the Evergreen Singers, and H.A.S.P. He played the baritone with the Holland American Legion Band and marched in many Tulip Time Parades and played at community events. Jim was a lifelong gardener who grew vegetables in home and community gardens. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his son David Dykema in 1975, and wife Shirley Dykema in 2001. His family includes: wife Cora (Cork) Hoffmeyer Dykema; daughter Sheryl and Keith Helmus of Kentwood, Steve Dykema of Holland, Susan and Todd Slattery of Cincinnati, Tim and Sara Dykema of Jackson, Wyoming; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Nicholas and Mary Dykema, Adrian and Beth Dykema, Andrew and Louise Dykema, sister Vivian and Carl Krause; Cork's children: Mary & Jim Vogelzang of Santa Barbara, CA, Patricia & John Dykstra of Holland, MI, Mark & Julie Hoffmeyer of Jenison, MI, Kathleen & Scott Cook of Cleveland, OH; in-laws Fern and Jack Klassen, Gord and Viv Plaggemars, Ed and Marlene Plaggemars, Con & Donna Boeve, Julia Bosch, Carrie Boeve, Homer & Marion Barber, Jeanette Barber, Ed & June Barber; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be 11 A.M. Wednesday March 31, 2010 at Park Christian Reformed Church in Holland 1496 W. 32nd Street Holland, MI. Visitation will be from 7-9 Tuesday March 30, 2010 at The Mulder Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home 188 West 32nd and also the hour before the service from 10-11 A.M. at the Church. Memorials may be made to the Holland Rescue Mission. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign Jim's online registry, share a photo, or read his life story.