Rev. James "Jim" Edward Beltman, whose Hope is in the Lord, died peacefully on May 14, 2026. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Gayle (Harrington) and children Rachel Vereeke (Chelsea, Lindsay), Benjamin & Rebecca Beltman (Brooke, Carter), Elizabeth & Michael Beverwyk (Malakai, Miriam), Joel & Jill Beltman (Eliana, Levi, Katherine); siblings Calvin (Janet Alpert) Beltman and Marilyn (Robert) Henry, and many nieces and nephews. Jim grew up in Holland, Michigan, attending Maplewood School along with his wife-to-be in the same K-8 classes. He attended Holland Christian High School and Hope College. He and Gayle married as Jim began studies at Western Theological Seminary. Following ordination, Jim served churches in Denver, Colorado, and San Diego, California. Following the death of Jim's mother, Catherine, the family returned to Zeeland, Michigan to support his father, Casey. Jim worked for the Howard Miller Clock Company and began ministry as Pastor of Congregational Care at Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, a position he greatly enjoyed. Jim was a creative thinker, a writer, a builder, a square dance caller, and a dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed people and had many interests. He loved the outdoors-hiking, camping, cross-country skiing and biking. He and Gayle were often seen riding their tandem bike around town and enjoyed many bike tours. Though he liked adventure, he was contented, finding joy in the ordinary. Many will remember Jim especially for his valiant perseverance as a stroke survivor. Though physical challenges were many, the most difficult was aphasia-the loss of language function. He received fifteen years of excellent therapy at the Calvin University Speech Clinic and made many friends there. Over the years, some of his favorite expressions, sometimes humorous, endeared him to his family. His smile spoke when words could not. Throughout his journey, his faith in God remained steadfast. Jim's family is grateful for the fine care from Emmanuel Hospice and also to our dear friend and aide, Linda, who brought the love of Jesus with her every Monday morning.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 2-5PM at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 1 at 11 O'clock AM at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. In lieu of flowers, donations in memorial may be made to Bread for the World, 425 3rd St SW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC, 20024, bread.org or The Other Way Ministries, 839 Sibley St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504 theotherway.org