James Marshall Draper

James "Jim" Marshall Draper

March 31, 1941 - October 6, 2026

James "Jim" Marshall Draper, age 85, of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away on October 6, 2026, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was a man of extraordinary warmth, quiet determination, and genuine generosity-someone who mowed the neighbors' lawn simply because it needed doing and who made sales calls from a deer stand because he never stopped caring about his customers.

Born on March 31, 1941, at Reed City Hospital in Reed City, Michigan, Jim was the youngest of ten children of Donald Draper and Dollie (Kistler) Draper-and the only one born in a hospital. He grew up in northern Michigan and graduated from Luther High School, jokingly finishing in the "top ten" of his class of eight.

Jim built a distinguished career in sales and management. He spent approximately 25-30 years at Campbell, Wyant & Cannon, rising from laborer to inventory to upper management before the company downsized. He then moved into industrial equipment sales and service, ultimately retiring from Alta Equipment around the age of 70. His philosophy was simple and enduring: "You don't sell things-you help people solve problems, and the sale will come." Customers agreed-many asked for Jim by name even after his retirement, and he was known to close deals while hunting from a tree stand.

Jim married the love of his life, Karen Zinn, on July 19, 1968. He and Karen shared a great love of travel. They explored Europe together-Paris, Germany, Switzerland, and England among their destinations-and enjoyed many tropical getaways with friends. A family favorite was a memorable stay in Geneva shortly after a major world summit, in the same hotel that had hosted world leaders. They made every trip an adventure.

At home on Spring Lake, Jim was equally beloved. He loved hunting and fishing, spending time on the water from his dock, and being a true neighbor. Well into his 80s, he mowed not only his own lawn but his neighbors' as well, cultivating a community of reciprocal care that those around him will never forget. In his final years, he faced the challenges of life in a wheelchair with the same quiet resolve that defined him-he adapted, and he managed, still enjoying friends, family, playing cards, his ministry, fishing, and deer camp.

For approximately 40 years, Jim was a devoted member of Jehovah's Witnesses and attended the Kingdom Hall in Grand Haven, Michigan, joining congregations wherever he and Karen traveled.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Karen (Zinn) Draper; his children Rebecca "Becky" (Chad) DeWitt, Jeffrey (Diane) Vanas, Tammy (Matt) Robinson, and James (Tamara) Draper Jr.; his grandchildren Rachel, Ryan, Evan, Matthew, Melanie, Joel, Jaxyn, Travis, Madison, and Max; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Neva Hoover, Martin Draper, and Bob Draper, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends-some cousins so close in age and spirit they were more like brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Arnold, Gertie, Chuck, Rosie, Gladys and Newt.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, 3:00 pm, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 16251 Robbins Rd, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417. Wayne Schmeling officiating. Flowers may be sent to the Kingdom Hall. Zoom is available for those unable to attend in person. Zoom Meeting ID: 907712200, Password: 003966.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Clock Funeral Home, Grand Haven. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date at Bristol Cemetery, Dover Township, near Luther, Michigan.