Jim Terpenning

Dearly loved by his family and many friends, Jim Terpenning added much to the lives of others. A devoted husband, dedicated father and grandfather, Jim gave his all and then some. Generous and kind, his personable nature and fun loving ways will be deeply missed and treasured. In 1932 the economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to just over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many ordinary citizens struggled to keep their families fed and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. For James Edward Sr. and Bessie (Webb) Terpenning, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their son, James Edward Jr. on September 17, 1932. Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, James was the eldest of six children in the Terpenning household. He later welcomed younger siblings Joanne, Nancy, Walter, Leon and Carleen. His father provided for his large family working as a printer at the Shaw Walker Corporation while his mother looked after the children as a homemaker. They made their family home on Emerson Street in Muskegon where Jim attended Oakview Elementary School and Central Junior High School. With boyhood antics, Jim was often found chasing fellow classmate Barbara Mosher around on the playground. She would one day come to be his wife. Jim went on to Muskegon High School through the tenth grade, later receiving his GED. Jim worked on several family farms during the summer months and also at a gas station during his teens. Well liked by many, Jim acquired many great and lasting friendships during these years sharing all that lakeshore living had to offer. In time Jim and Barbara began dating and soon found themselves in love. They exchanged wedding vows on January 27, 1951 in Muskegon and lived on Ninth Street where they began a family of their own, later moving to Giles Road in North Muskegon. Their daughter Laura was born in 1951, Jim III came along in 1953, and in 1955 John was an added blessing. Their family was complete with twins Joni and Tony in 1958. As a husband and father, Jim was very supportive and loving. Tony knew his Dad was his biggest fan when he played football and did his best to make his dad proud. When it came to his kids, it took little for Jim to be proud of them. He was dedicated in providing a comfortable lifestyle for his family and always spent quality time with them. With a love of travel, Jim enjoyed trips with his family to destinations such as Spain, Hawaii, Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, and even traveled to all 50 states. Its no surprise that Lauras favorite memory of her father includes a trip the two shared all the way to California. It was an enjoyable time for both and as always, she could rely on him when she needed him the most. Truly devoted, Jim loved his family beyond compare and loved being a grandfather to the grandchildren he held so dear. Attending church was important in their lives and devout in their Catholic faith, they were longtime communicants of St. Marys Catholic Church. Family picnics, holiday get-togethers and later monthly breakfast dates with his daughters were always a high priority for Jim. He especially loved family traditions such as celebrating birthdays at the former Doo Drop Inn and Sunday brunch at McDonalds. Throughout the years Jim and Barb shared a special friendship with Harold and Darlene Brown, neighbors who lived across from them in North Muskegon. As couples they did much together and without fail, they were always there for them. A tool maker by trade, Jim put his heart and soul into his work and was the best at what he did. As a successful businessman, he became co-owner of West Michigan Grinding Service and later worked for the Metal Flo Company for many years. A dedicated and hard worker, Jim worked well into his 70s and even then they werent ready to have him retire! Generous in all regards, Jim was a personable fellow who enjoyed the company of others. With his giving heart, Joni recalled a family picnic at Mona Lake one time when a tattered clothed man approached the family. Although everyone was indeed stunned, she came to admire her fathers charitable ways that day when Jim jumped up and made him a plate of food. In his free time Jim enjoyed several outlets away from work as well. In 2003 Jim and his eldest son Jim III went on a week long fishing excursion for walleye in Canada which created a wonderful bond between father and son. They caught some great fish, talked, played cribbage and enjoyed their time together. As a knowledgeable sportsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, bowling and was a lifetime member of the Muskegon Eagles. After retiring Jim continued his love for travel. Always one to keep busy, he worked part-time at Northland Collision for a while. He read a lot and liked playing a good game of cards, bird watching, and even learned to enjoy a good snooze! Although Jim and his family had many dogs when the children were growing up, he became quite attached to his cat, Minnie Ha Ha in the last year of his life. Little did Jims son John know that the lunch he shared with his parents a few days ago would leave a forever imprint on his heart. That particular day was the day Jim chose to give his second oldest son his blue star sapphire ring and a personal note that John will cherish always. Sadly, at the age of 77, Jim died quite unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in the emergency room at Hackley Hospital. Although those he loved and cared about never had the chance to say goodbye, there is comfort in knowing that Jim suffered little and went quickly home to his Lord. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barb; sons: Jim (Cindy) Terpenning III of Illinois, John (Judy) Terpenning of Fruitport and Tony Terpenning of Texas; daughters: Laura (Mark) Allen of Roosevelt Park and Joanie (Jeff) LeMieux of Muskegon; 21 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters: Nancy Faulkner and Carleen (Don) Rake; brothers: Walter (Deloris) Terpenning and Leon (Wilma) Terpenning; his kitty, "Minnie Ha Ha". He was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Gleiden. SERVICE: Monday, August 30, 2010, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Fr. Matt Barnum officiating. MEMORIAL: Charity of choice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign his online guest book.