James Dean Sytsma, age 82 of Grand Rapids MI, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday August 4, 2025.
Born on September 2 1943, to Bernie and Nelle Sytsma. He was the youngest of four children, Jean, Ron, Tom and the last to meet his Maker.

James was survived by his wife Marilyn Dee (Veenstra) of 61years by only three days! Together they had three children Tim (Lisa) Sytsma, Laura Stevens, Heather Glaves; seven grandchildren, Luke Sytsma, Anna Sytsma, Josiah (Sarah) Sytsma, Isaac Stevens, Nathan DePrekel, Brittany (Roger) Beluzar, Martell (Chelsey)Melton; and several great-grandchildren -two in heaven and Demetrius Sytsma, Seana Mestauskas, Jamison Beluzar.

James graduated from Grand Rapids Union High School in 1961. He married Marilyn, nicknamed Lyndee, on September 11, 1964. He was a Navy purchaser during the Cuban Missel Crisis stationed in Cuba and Bermuda. He loved to talk about his Navy experience as much as he loved to talk about the Gideans, whom he was an active member for many years. He was a faithful member of Standale Baptist Church where he was a deacon and taught Sunday School to children and adults over his 50 plus years of service there. He actively invested in the lives of many through visitation, discipleship and giving to missionaries. When not enjoying his family life, James liked to golf, play softball on the church league, and put together model airplanes.

James set the example of a faithful loving family man and will be greatly missed by his family.

A Celebration of Life with be held for him and his wife at Standale Baptist Church on Saturday August 23, 2025 at 11:00 am.