James Van Putten

Dorothy Van Putten and the Junior Welfare League raised funds for Holland Hospital's very first infant incubator. As it turned out, her son Jim would be the first baby to be saved by that piece of equipment. He was born premature on March 13, 1941. God had plans for his life.......

He became a life long Holland resident growing up in the Central Park area with his older sister, Mary Lou. They attended Lakeview School through the 8th grade where Jim's love of sports began. A classmate of his recently shared a story of how Jim taught him to play baseball when he was younger. This man remembered the time Jim took to teach him about the sport and the role model Jim was to him.

At Holland High, he continued being an athlete, but was slowed by a diving accident that left him with a broken neck and back. He actually broke the same vertebrae as Joni Erickson who became a paraplegic. He could no longer play football, but lettered in basketball and track. God had plans for his life......

He later attended Michigan State University for 2 years where he decided he did not want to pursue a career in Restaurant Management. It was then that he told his mother he didn't know what he wanted to do with his life career wise. The only thing he did know was that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sarajane Bonnette. They were married at the ages of 19 & 20 in 1962. They had grown up together in the same neighborhood and started dating after Jim graduated from high school. They honeymooned in New York and visited Niagara Falls. Mitch was born in 1963, Shelly was born in 1966. Jim was always a family man and always put his family first.

In the 60s & 70s he worked at various places including Sears, Vandenberg Buick, 3M, AB Dick, and Stack Pac Corporation. His salesmanship qualities were being developed as he became a master of the trade. He was a good communicator and treated people with respect. He made others feel important and used his sense of humor to make people comfortable and gain their trust. He was reliable and always strived to do things right.

In the early 80s he bought D & R Auto Sales. His reputation and work ethic was known by many and he built a great little business, helping many friends, family and various people get quality used cars. Unfortunately, his dream had to end by unforeseen circumstances. Jim's spirit was wounded but his strength and determination to support his family and keep doing what he loved prevailed. God had plans for his life....

He continued his career with cars as a manager and buyer, most recently working for Vandenberg Buick, Hope Imports, Grand Oldsmobile and Elhart Pontiac & Dodge. Others say that Jim performed his job well, using creativity and experience to share his wisdom with others. What made him special though, was the way in which he invested in and mentored others. Many, including his bosses, went to him for advice.

Jim had a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He loved cars, helping out others and sports. He and Sarajane volunteered for the Jaycees, Dance Club, Holland High School sports boosters, and he did a lot volunteer coaching. He always loved cars and was proud of his '72 Buick Skylark convertible. Many sought him out whenever they had a car issue or need.

Not only was Jim an athlete himself, he was a great fan. He always made room in his schedule for ALL this children's games, meets and activities. We can't remember one that was missed. For more than 30 years he and Sarajane have been attending Hope College football and basketball games and have held season tickets for both. Most recently, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren in as many of their events as possible.

Jim never really considered himself a traveler. He did, however, look forward making two trips a year. In the spring he loved to relax in the sun on the beach in Destin, Florida. In the summer he enjoyed spending a week in Kansas visiting family.

Jim and Sarajane were members of First Presbyterian Church for 36 years and most recently were members of Community Church of Douglas. It was at Community Church were he experienced an increased level of spiritual awareness, commitment and fellowship.

In 2004, Jim was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He went through various therapies and rehabilitation to get back to full strength. He was a fighter and was determined to beat cancer with a positive attitude and healthy habits. God still had plans for his life....

When the cancer returned in late 2006, he faced it with the same determination and attitude. He fought as hard as possible, he never complained, he took each day patiently. He continued to be a role model and hero to his family to the very end. We feel "robbed" or "cheated" as Mitch says, because Jim's life had to end so early. We hope we can all focus on the happy times and the fond memories. We will all miss him greatly and we will all love him forever. Jim, our loving husband, father, brother and friend.

James R. Van Putten age 66 of Holland died Monday, May 14, 2007 at his home.

Jim is survived by his wife Sarajane of 45 years; children-Mitch and Pam Van Putten of Holland and Shelly and Phil Fortier of Big Rapids; 4 grandchildren- Grant and Laura Van Putten and Andy and Sarajane Fortier; sister-Mary Lou and Terry Pursel of Leavenworth, KS; brother-in-law-Bob and Sena Bonnette of Muskegon; nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services are 12 noon Thursday at the Community Church of Douglas, 6780 Wiley Rd, with the Dr. Daniel Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting will be 7-9 pm Wednesday at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Memorials may be made to the Community Church of Douglas Memorial Fund.