Lester W. James

Lester passed away, Monday, November 20, 2023, in Ionia.

He was born April 24, 1943 in Kalamazoo the son of Marion and Ella (Swainston) James. For 30 years Lester worked for General Motors until his retirement in the late 90’s. As a young man he enjoyed square dancing and was a 4-H leader for his children. He also enjoyed camping, traveling, gardening and woodworking. On October 12, 1963 he married Hazel Jean Parker who passed away in 2013.

Surviving are his children, Kathy (Kevin) Sparks, Bill (Sally) James, Russ (Sheri) James and Dennis (Jennifer) James; grandchildren, Jackie and Faith Sparks, Christopher and Kaylee James, Eric (Katie), Kyle and Luke James, Aaron Radcliffe, Samantha James and Brendan Horn; great-grandchildren, Violet and Olive James and Lincoln and Raegan Knight; siblings, Norma VanderPloeg, Carol (Dick) Schiedel and Roy (Janet) James; many nieces and nephews and special friend Betty.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Sam VanderPloeg.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place.

Friends may visit with Lester’s family starting at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the memorial service at 11:30 A.M., with Pastor Jason Zimmer officiating.

Burial of ashes will take place at West Cooper Cemetery at a later time.

Contributions in memory of Lester may be made to Allegan County 4-H.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

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Offer Condolence for the family of Lester W. James

Condolence Messages

Dian Liepe

November 22, 2023 at 3:51 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with Les’s family. I knew his kids thru 4-H and my dad John Schlack worked with him at GM in Kalamazoo. Les lives on in his children and grand children. Thanks for many memories!!

my mother, Mary Ann Schlack also send her condolences.

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Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti Khodl)

November 22, 2023 at 8:15 pm

So sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories.

Reply

Jennifer Mitchell

November 23, 2023 at 12:21 pm

Kathy—I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Know that you’re in my thoughts.

Reply

Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti Khodl)

November 26, 2023 at 11:49 pm

Sorry to learn of your loss. Near major holidays lends an extra stressor to the mix. Take care, cherish your memories, hug each other and be good to yourselves. Grief is a rocky road. Hugs go out to the family.

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Rosalinda Bozzo

November 27, 2023 at 2:44 pm

Sending my sincere condolences to you and your family.

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