Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. 
1095 68th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Phone:  (616) 455-9280 
Fax: (616) 455-2035
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael A. Vos - Owner / Manager
 
 Robert K. Stroo - Owner / President 

 

DeGraff James 22

Service Information

James H. "Jim" DeGraff
Visitation: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 5 - 8 pm and Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 10 - 11 am at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE followed by the service at 11 am
Service: 11 am Wednesday, January 3, at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Cemetery: Ft. Custer National Cemetery


 James H. "Jim" DeGraff, age 81, of Grand Rapids, walked on on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Jim served in the US Navy and was an active participant in the Cuban Missile Crisis aboard the USS Shadwell. He worked 27 years as a Kent County Sheriff's Deputy. After retirement, Jim volunteered for ten years in the Vita tax program as a translator and interpreter for Hispanic people. He was a proud member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Native American Tribe. As a veteran Native American, Jim participated in reparation of ancestral remains to the Pine Creek Reservation. He was a gifted artist and listened to and enjoyed all genres of music. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Helen; his children and grandchildren, Greg DeGraff and son, Jessie and family, David DeGraff and Toni DeGraff, Kathie Grothaus and Tom, David, Brandon, and Willow Grothaus; Andrea and Scott Ward and son, Adam and family; Stuart and Jenniffer Person and Stuart Scott and Gemma Person; brother, Robert DeGraff; sister, Maryjean Williams; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, William (Sue) Peters, Anita Schimmel, Roberta (William) Gamsby; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Febian and Grace DeGraff, two sisters, Sharon O'Hara and Diane Cooper; and son-in-law, David Grothaus.  The family will greet visitors on Tuesday, January 2, from 5 - 8 pm and Wednesday, January 3, from 10 - 11 am at Stroo Funeral Home, where the funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. 

 

STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508 
Comments  
# Mark Morton 2023-12-30 17:03
Jim was a great mentor and friend to me. I learned a lot about life and being a good deputy from him as we worked side by side for Kent County. Jim was one of the best deputies I ever worked with and I will never forget him. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends.
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