John Ames Jr.

Through the life he lived each day, John Ames, Jr. made the most of every moment he was given while deeply loving his family and friends. He was a free spirit who was forever looking for a new adventure whether it was on land, on the sea, or in the air. John was intelligent and hardworking, which paved the way for a successful career that came to an end after selling the business he established, but there was nothing that made his heart swell with pride more than the children and grandchildren he cherished. It was later in life that John met his true soulmate, and together they shared his sunset years. He will be dearly missed while his memory is forever treasured. The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have ever seen as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which drove the unemployment rate to over 25 percent, leaving families to do whatever they could to make ends meet. Despite the hardship around them, a young couple from Niles, Michigan, was filled with unspeakable joy as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on November 24, 1932. John Edwin was one of two children born to his parents, John and Elizabeth (Novick) Ames, Sr., and he was raised in the family home in Niles alongside his sister, Charlotte, who was six years his junior. His father worked as a physician while his mother had been a pharmacist. From his earliest years John was a bustle of activity. His love for flying was born during his formative years as he loved building remote controlled model airplanes. John discovered that chemistry and physics were things that he enjoyed and was good at, however, while in school he was also a bit of a prankster from time to time. He was a Boy Scout who liked winter camping, and he also loved animals, particularly dogs. John even nursed a baby owl back to health on one occasion. As a student at local schools he also ran track and cross-country. After graduating from high school, John was ready to continue his education. Although he was accepted at both M.I.T. and Notre Dame, he choose to go to California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) because it was farther away from home. John and his buddy, Omar Brubaker who attended a different school in California, set out for their Californian adventure. He loved working on old cars and fully developed his love for flying by getting his pilots license following his college years. With his education behind him, John graduated with a BS in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering in 1955. He then got a job at Leonard Engineering in Pasadena, California. John satiated his love for the outdoors by riding his bike to work and taking his sailboat out on the water when he could. Life was forever changed for John when he met a young woman named Phyllis at work. After dating for a time the couple were married in 1955. Together they were blessed with three children, Charles, Marcia, and Rodger. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, John was forever grateful for the children they shared. John found love again with Janice. They later married and adopted two children, Terrence and Dan. Unfortunately, this marriage ended in divorce after 10 years. Shortly thereafter, John returned to Michigan, settling on a 140 acre farm in Lake Odessa. He diligently worked the farm and also held down an engineering job with McDonnell Douglas in Grand Rapids. With his contagious zest for life, John lived an active lifestyle. He loved to ski and belonged to the Grand Rapids Ski Club. He even took a ski trip to France with a group of buddies who called themselves the Over the Hill Gang. His love for the water remained intact as well as John had several boats through the years including a catamaran and a 40 ft. sailboat. In 1976 he moved to a home on Spring Lake - a water lovers dream! John also continued to be passionate about flying. He was happiest when he flying his Mooney Aircraft. For a brief time in the mid-eighties John commuted to work in Rockford, Illinois, in his plane. Later on John started his own company, Aeromar Corp. in Grand Haven, a machine shop that made specialized parts for the United States government including specialized parts for the Abrams tank. John sold the company in 2011 and retired after his career in the aerospace industry. Throughout his life John treasured his loved ones. He looked forward to visits from his adult children who lived all over the country. In 1996 John became acquainted with the woman he would discover was his true soulmate. Her name was Nataly Hopper Berckmann, and they met in the pool at the Grand Haven YMCA. Their relationship started as friendship and later moved into a dating relationship that was on again off again for a time. John and Nataly reconciled in 2008, at which time they moved in together. They eventually became engaged. John loved sharing his interests with his sweetheart as they biked and skied together. They also did some traveling including trips to the Indy 500 and Notre Dame football games. John and Nataly additionally enjoyed walks with his dog, Lady. As he grew older John didnt slow down. He continued to participate in area running events like the Fifth Third River Bank Run well into his seventies, and he also did what he could to maintain a healthy lifestyle like eating raw oats and other health foods. Additionally, John enjoyed biking and golfing. Sadly, life became more difficult for John and his loved ones when he began exhibiting signs of dementia a few years ago. Nataly cared for him at home as long as she was able, but he moved into Sanctuary at the Shore when he needed more specialized care. A fun-loving, carefree, and colorful man, John Ames, Jr. was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He always seemed to have a joke for any and every occasion, and his love for life was contagious to those around him. There was no shortage of excitement in Johns life as he was rarely one to be still, and as far as he was concerned the more adventure in his life the better. John will never be forgotten. John Edwin Ames, Jr. died on August 21, 2013 at the age of 80. Johns family includes his fianc, Nataly Hopper Berckmann; sister, Charlotte Ames of South Bend Indiana; sons, Charles Ames of Oregon, Rodger (Julia) Ames of Colorado, Terrence (Sondra) Ames of Texas and Daniel Ames of Texas; daughter, Marcia Ames of California; four grandchildren, Gia, Bodhi, Terran and Nayelli; and a wonderful dog, Lady. Contributions can be made to Sanctuary at the Shore, Hospice or the Grand Haven YMCA. Viewing and services will be held at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Grand Haven on Sept 14 at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. Burial will follow at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.