James Meerman

James Peter Meerman, age 55, of Spring Lake, formerly from Coopersville, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 19, 2015. Jim was born on November 19th, 1959 and was first and foremost a man of faith. This faith was instilled upon his children and grandchildren by his words, and more importantly, his Christian actions. Jim graduated from Coopersville High School in 1977, where he met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Diane Veeneman. They were married in 1980 and enjoyed 34 years of marriage together as best friends. Jim was the best dad and a proud father to their four children and spouses, T.J. and Jackie Meerman, Josh and Kelly Meerman, JimiLynn and Jim Kelly and Stacia and Tyler Arkesteyn. His smile, humor and gentle heart will be missed by his family, especially his 6 grandchildren, Carter, Lauren, Champ, Norah, AndiLynn and Luke. After playing football and graduating from Grand Valley State University, Jim started his career in education at Coopersville Public Schools. Over his 30-year career, he positively impacted thousands of students in his roles as assistant principal, athletic director, teacher and coach. This past spring, he was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Association Coaches Hall of Fame. His speech at the banquet was a grateful one thanking his family and coaches who helped him earn the honor. Jim had a passion for sports that was rooted in his love for working with kids. He taught and coached with passion, pride and humility, and he expected the same from his children, students and athletes. And although he loved his sports, this didné�a�a��t compare to the love he had for his wife, kids, grandchildren and their German Shepherd, Iso. They were his pride and joy, and he lit up whenever they entered the room. Jim was a loved man and will be missed by his family, friends and co-workers. Jim is survived by his parents, Earl and MaryAnn (Farrell) Meerman, his siblings, Joe (Julie) Meerman, Jon (Sharon) Meerman, Julie (Ben) Christie, Jill (Beth) Meerman and Jayne (Kevin) Schoenborn. He was also survived by the Veeneman family of brothers and sisters, including Lorraine Veeneman, Lee (Brenda) Veeneman, Dan (Sue) Veeneman, Sheryl (Russ) Lillie, Elaine (Herb) Schoenborn and Jimé�a�a��s many nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his mother-in-law, Gertrude (Kantola) Veeneman. Jim was predeceased by his cousin and best friend, Jeff Meerman, his sister, Janet Meerman, his father-inlaw, Melvin Veeneman and his brother-in-law, David Veeneman. Visitations will be held at the Coopersville Community Service Building, at 198 East Street, Coopersville, MI, 49404, on Thursday, January 22 from 2-5 pm and from 6-9 pm. There will be a scripture reading beginning at 8:30 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Maryé�a�a��s Catholic Church, at 406 East Savidge Street, in Spring Lake, MI 49456, on Saturday, January 24 at 11 am, and a luncheon will follow at the church. There will be a private burial after lunch for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the é�a�A"Coach Jim Meerman Memorial Endowment Scholarship,é�a��at: Grand Valley State University L.V. Eberhard Center, 9th floor 301 Fulton St. West P.O. Box 1945 Grand Rapids, MI 49501. An online guestbook may be signed at www.throopfh.com. Throop Funeral Home Cooperville, 616-837-8161

Visitation

Thursday Jan. 22nd, 2015
2:00pm to 5:00pm and
6:00pm to 9:00pm at Coopersville Community Service Building
Directions to Coopersville Community Service Building

Service

Saturday Jan. 24th, 2015, 11:00am at St Mary's Catholic Church, Spring Lake MI.
Directions to St Mary's Catholic Church, Spring Lake MI.

Burial

at Coopersville-Polkton Twp Cemetery
Directions to Coopersville-Polkton Twp Cemetery

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