James De Boer Jr.

Jim DeBoer, 90, passed away at home on July 5, 2015.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joy; daughter Gail and grandsons Jamie and David; brother Bob and his wife, Lois; their children Mary (husband Tom Fuller), Ann (husband Brian Risch), Kathryn (husband Tim Graves, and Dick (wife Maggie).  He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas.

 Jim DeBoer was a lifetime resident of Grand Rapids.  He attended Central High School where he played football and ran track.  He then entered the Navy Air Corps.  After being discharged, Jim attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1950 with both a law degree and an MBA.  He then joined the Varnum law firm as the 5th member and only associate attorney, which now has more than 150 attorneys.  He gained experience in many areas affecting business, and served many clients well over the years.  He served on the boards of a number of corporations, including Herman Miller, Inc., Tower Automotive, Sparton Corporation, Batts, Inc., Trust Investment Management, Roskam Baking Company, and Dickinson Press, Inc.

 Within the firm, Jim DeBoer was widely admired by both his partners and by the younger associates and staff. In 1980, he was unanimously elected Chairman of the Firm, after first turning down the opportunity due to his heavy involvement with the needs and concerns of his clients. A committee was formed to review the management structure of the firm, and, primarily because of the esteem and high regard in which he was held by the partnership, the role of chairman was changed sufficiently so as not to burden him with administrative responsibilities.

 Jim DeBoer served as a director of Metropolitan Health Corporation and trustee for Davenport University for more than 40 years.  He also supported many local charities, and was active for many years at the YMCA.  When the DeBoer's son, Douglas, died in an accident in 2010, Jim and his wife, Joy, established the Douglas DeBoer Memorial Fund through Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The fund makes grants to support the arts, Gilda's Club, Salvation Army, Van Andel Institute and YWCA.

Jim retired from the firm in 2010, but retained the title of Emeritus Partner. 

 Through all his years with us, whether as Jim the lawyer, friend, Dad, brother or Uncle Jim, he was always kind, patient and thoughtful.  We will all miss him.

 A memorial service will be held July 16, 2015, at 1:00 PM at Mayflower Congregational Church.  Visitation will be held at the church one hour before the service from 12-1 PM.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Douglas DeBoer Memorial Fund, care of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, or Hospice of Michigan.  

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