James W. "Jim" Lucy

James "Jim" Lucy liked to keep his life simple, with his family at the center and his leisure outdoor activities a little off to the side. In fact, he was happiest when he could combine the two, spending a day with his family while enjoying the great outdoors.

James was born October 13, 1940, in Little River Township, Arkansas to proud parents, John and Hazel (Tunstill) Lucy. World War II had begun the previous year and the United States eventually entered the conflict and helped defeat the Germans and Axis powers. Jim would remember little of these events as a young boy growing up in Arkansas. He was busy going to school and enjoying all the outdoors activities he could. At the age of 9, Jim and his family moved to Fennville, Michigan, where he attended school until he was 16. He then left to join the workforce for a while before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He received a medical discharge a short time later. Jim eventually went back to school and earned his high school diploma, which was truly a proud day for him.

Jim met the love of his life, Barbara Phillips, while in school and they were happily married in 1960. The couple had two wonderful daughters, Deborah, who tragically died in 1983 of cancer, and Kimberly. For a short time, the family made their home in Douglas before moving to Holland, where Jim found work with Home Furnace (which is now LSI and Nordyne). He later went to work for Donnelly Corporation and retired from here in October 2005.

In his leisure time, Jim simply enjoyed anything that involved being outdoors. This included snowmobiling when he was younger. His wife Barb fondly remembers their annual trips to Mackinaw Island in September "just to get away for a long weekend." But, when he was home, Jim adored being with his only granddaughter, Deborah, who was the apple of his eye. He was also quite fond of his Labrador Retrievers he had over the years, who were constant companions wherever he went. A huge Elvis Presley fan, Jim had lots of treasured memorabilia of the "King", including collectible plates, and had even visited Graceland. Although Jim wasn't a superstar in the world's eyes, he will always shine in the hearts of his family as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

James "Jim" W. Lucy, age 65, of Holland, died Monday, March 28, 2006, at his home. Preceding him in death was his daughter, Deborah, his parents and his parents-in-law. Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Barbara, of Holland; a daughter, Kimberly Lucy, of Holland; a granddaughter, Deborah Zwiers, of Holland; brother and sister, Paul and Leona Lucy of Fennville, and Margaret and Ken Lacy of Fennville; in-laws, Larry and Carol Phillips of Douglas, and Cheryl and Tom Barnes of Holland; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, March 31, at 2:00 p.m. at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland, with Rev. Dale Scholten officiating. Burial will be in North Holland Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.