James (Jim) Bernard DeHaan (age 87) was called to his heavenly home into the arms of his faithful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday morning, May 26, 2026.

There, at his eternal homecoming to welcome him, was his beloved wife of 50 years, Ilene and his cherished daughter, Cheri Erben. Jim was the last surviving member of the family of George and Nellie DeHaan, and his siblings and their spouses: Sieb and Reca DeHaan, Tress and Marv VanderJagt, Ann and Tite Agema, Tom and Betty DeHaan, Sally and George VanDriel, Florence and John Eylander, Evie and Kerwin Boven, and Edith and Gerald Lucas. Jim was also the last surviving member of Ilene's family, including her parents, Tom and Grace Boven and her siblings and their spouses: Millie and Sid Visser, Tony and Gert Boven, Dee and Gert Boven, Vern and Angie VandePol and Marilyn and Sid Ouwinga.

Jim was the youngest of the family, born on July 27, in Highland, Michigan. He met the love of his life, Ilene Boven, at their high school, Northern Michigan Christian and they married April 18, 1958. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his children, Dawn and Pete Spiering (Grand Rapids), Jodi and Marc Kindle (Crossville, TN) and his son-in-law, Will Erben (Ann Arbor). He was a faithful prayer warrior for his grandkids, Dana and Chris Bernardi, Lindsey and Todd Dalga, Ayla Wolfram, Reba Kindle and Sean Denning, Tyler and Jenna Spiering, Kyla Kindle, Leah Erben and Hannah Erben. Jim was blessed with 11 great grandchildren. He will also be lovingly missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim boldly expressed his love for Jesus in countless ways and wanted to make sure all his loved ones knew the love that Jesus had for them. God gave him the gift of a beautiful solo voice which he used throughout his adult life to glorify Him, singing at countless weddings, funerals and church services. Now he is singing with the heavenly choirs at the feet of Jesus.

During Jim's last couple months, he struggled with dementia and finding that peace that passes all understanding. On Tuesday, his family rejoiced that he found that peace for all of eternity. His family and friends will miss him tremendously here on earth but look forward to that day we will be reunited in the presence of our Mighty God.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 6 at 11am at Brookside CRC, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 with Pastor Paul DeVries officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private interment will take place later in the day at Falmouth Cemetery in Falmouth, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Faith Hospice.

https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/#make-donation