Sitzema, James Eman

Mr. James E. Sitzema, age 88, passed away Monday, December 4, 2006 after a short illness. He was born in Ellsworth, MI on September 12, 1918 to Ralph and Anna (Hogerheide) Sitzema, Sr. and had been a resident of Muskegon and Charlevoix. Mr. Sitzema had been employed at Shaw Walker Co. (Knoll Group) for 42 years before retiring in 1983. He was a past member of the Muskegon Elks, the Muskegon Moose and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Golden Eagle). Mr. Sitzema was an avid Fury fan and had been a season ticket holder for 23 years. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and music. James married his wife of 65 years, the former Patricia Hyers, on January 4, 1941, and she survives him along with his daughter, Nancy Carlson; granddaughter, Kris Brantner (Fiance' William Jefferies); grandson, Kyle (Stephanie Roth) Carlson of Dorr, MI; 4 great grandchildren, Trevor James Jager, US Airforce, Wichita, KA, Tristan C. (Lisa) Jager, Dorr, MI, Alyssa L. Brantner and Kylee A. Carlson, Dorr, MI; 1 great-great grandson, Trenton Allen James Jager, Dorr, MI; 2 sisters, Agnes Klooster, Ellsworth, MI and Katherine (Versile) Klooster, Central Lake, MI; 1 brother, Ralph (Laurel) Sitzema, Jr., Garden City, MI; special friends, Carl Hamstra, Herb (Mary Lou) Humphries, S. Dartmouth, MA, Bill (Kathy) Bouman, Fenton, MI, Bill Jefferies, Twin Lake, MI, Ken Kendra and grand dog, Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, DeWayne Carlson; 2 sisters, Marie Doty, Jennette Niemeyer; 2 brothers, Harm Sitzema, Marion Sitzema; special nephews, Gordon VanEyk and Ronald Sitzema, Jr. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be 11AM Saturday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-726-5210 with Rev. Dick Mead officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to the service. MEMORIALS in Mr. Sitzema's name may be made to Lakeshore Transplant Support Group, Inc. or to the Harbor Hospice.