Jimi Lynne lived her life with purpose, passion, generosity, and an unmistakable light that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jimi Lynne spent some of her adult life in Florida before eventually returning to Grand Rapids, choosing to be closer to the family and friends who meant so much to her. Following her passing on October 30, 2026, after a second courageous battle with cancer, those who loved her are left with countless memories of a woman who made the world a little brighter simply by being in it.

Throughout her life, Jimi Lynne built a successful career in the steel industry, but it was her philanthropic spirit and dedication to helping others that truly defined her. She gave generously of her time and heart to numerous organizations serving those in need, always looking for ways to make a difference. One of her most meaningful contributions was helping to found P.O.R.T. (Pediatric Oncology Resource Team), an organization dedicated to supporting families navigating the difficult journey of childhood cancer. Her compassion for others was not simply something she believed in; it was something she put into action throughout her life.

Long before her professional accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors, Jimi Lynne was already making memories on stages across the country and around the world. Upon graduating from Kenowa Hills High School, she became a member of Up With People, a culturally-diverse traveling singing and dancing organization that promotes youth leadership development and service. Through this tour, Jimi Lynne performed nationally and internationally, sharing her energy and joy with audiences. Among those memorable performances was participating in the 1976 Super Bowl Halftime Show. It was just one of many extraordinary experiences that made up a life full of adventure, connection, and joy. Now, we find comfort in knowing she has once again gone 'Up With People,' reunited with those she loved who went before her. We can only imagine the laughter, familiar faces, and joyful reunion waiting for her.

To know Jimi Lynne was to know someone who truly never met a stranger. Her gregarious personality, warm heart, beautiful brown eyes, and  unmistakable mischievous smile made her instantly memorable. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome, bringing out the best in others, and finding the positive even when life presented challenges. Many described her as a "bright light," and those words could not be more fitting. She loved to laugh, loved to connect, and had a way of making even an ordinary moment feel special. And to her family and close friends, she was affectionately known as "Beanie” or “JL”- both nicknames that carried a lifetime of love, memories, and family connection.

Jimi Lynne found her greatest happiness in spending time with those she loved. Whether golfing, tending to her garden, giving her time to help others, or simply gathering with family and friends, she embraced the things that made life meaningful. 

She was a fighter, meeting her battle with cancer with the same strength and determination that characterized so much of her life.

She leaves behind her loving and adoring husband of 35 years, Steve; her children, Kristin (Charlie) Vetter and Scott (Karen) Meyer, as well as her cherished granddaughters, Isabella and Aubree. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings David (Marcella) Scott, Laurie (Tom) DeYoung, and Brooke (Steve) DeGraaf, along with her many beloved nieces and nephews, with whom she shared especially meaningful relationships. She is predeceased in death by her father, Jim, mother, Sharon, and her sister, Heather.

While her family and friends will deeply miss her laughter, her smile, and her unmistakable presence, her legacy will live on in the countless lives she influenced, the families she helped, the friendships she formed, and the love she gave so freely. 

A celebration of Jimi Lynne's life will be held Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 at Blandford Nature Center, located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. It is a place chosen for the many special memories it holds, and it is fitting that those who loved her will gather in a place so meaningful to celebrate a woman who spent her life bringing people together.

Jimi Lynne was a bright light, a beautiful spirit, a fighter, and a friend to everyone she met. She never missed an opportunity to laugh and never stopped looking for ways to make someone's life a little better. The world was brighter with JL in it, and her light will continue to shine in all those who loved her.

Although Jimi Lynne loved flowers, her family would be especially grateful for memorial contributions made in her honor to P.O.R.T. (Pediatric Oncology Resource Team), an organization that held a very special place in her heart. Supporting P.O.R.T. is a meaningful way to continue her legacy of compassion and help families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. A link to Jimi Lynne’s Memorial page can be found here.