Marilyn James

Marilyn Grace James, age 85, of Bailey was called home to her Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. She was born in Muskegon, MI to the late Frank and Grace (Knapp) Rice. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Gerald James, grandson Kyle Sall, son-in-law Terry Gates and brother Frank Rice. After high school, Marilyn worked as a secretary at Kent City High School until the birth of their first child when she transitioned to her real calling of being a homemaker. Marilyn was a life member at Casnovia Reformed Church where she was active in the choir, taught Sunday School, and especially enjoyed being part of the Ladies Mission group where she used her love of sewing, crocheting, and knitting to provide clothing, hats, and bedding for others in need. Marilyn loved to garden and it was hard to determine which gave her more joy, growing and canning vegetables,or her large flower garden which she meticulously maintained. She loved attending her children’s school events and sports. She dearly loved being a grandmother and caring for her grandkids. She will be deeply missed by her children Joe (Judy) James, Martha (Kevin) Sall, Beth Gates and Rachel (Ed) Coon; grandchildren, Andy James, Kaleb (Jessica) Sall, Grace Sall, Lydia Sall, James Sall, A.J. Gates, Chelsea (Kourtney) Carll and Aaron Coon; brother, Herb (Ruth) Rice; sisters-in-law, Rose Ann Rice-Willenbrink, Ruth James, Lois James; brother-in-law, Roger James and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the First Reformed Church of Ravenna, 3327 Mortimer St, Ravenna, MI 49451 with Rev. Steve VanderWoude officiating. Burial will take place in Seaman Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday, November 1, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the First Reformed Church of Ravenna and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial donations may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Online condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.throopfh.com

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161