James Najar

James Najar, age 67, of East Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021 due to complications of diabetes. He was born on August 30, 1953, in Grand Rapids to John and Shirley (Mooney) Najar. Jimmy graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, class of 1973. He played football for the Grand Rapids Broncos, worked for C&O Railroad on the chain gang driving spikes, he enjoyed panning for gold and logging big trees in the forests of Oregon and Idaho, was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football and had a passion for auto racing, especially drag racing. He was a devout Catholic who always put the needs of others ahead of his own- many times to his own detriment. His love and concern for his family was evident throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all. Jimmy is survived by his son, Will; granddaughters, Kayla, Autumn and Lena; great granddaughter, Elianna; siblings, Linda, Mary, Johnny (Kathy), Camel (Linda), Michael (Susan), Lou (Rachel), Joe (Barb Veenkamp); aunt, Mary Jane Shrauger and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. James Najar, age 67, of East Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021 due to complications of diabetes. He was born on August 30, 1953, in Grand Rapids to John and Shirley (Mooney) Najar. Jimmy graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, class of 1973. He played football for the Grand Rapids Broncos, worked for C&O Railroad on the chain gang driving spikes, he enjoyed panning for gold and logging big trees in the forests of Oregon and Idaho, was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football and had a passion for auto racing, especially drag racing. He was a devout Catholic who always put the needs of others ahead of his own- many times to his own detriment. His love and concern for his family was evident throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all. Jimmy is survived by his son, Will; granddaughters, Kayla, Autumn and Lena; great granddaughter, Elianna; siblings, Linda, Mary, Johnny (Kathy), Camel (Linda), Michael (Susan), Lou (Rachel), Joe (Barb Veenkamp); aunt, Mary Jane Shrauger and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jimmy's Celebration of Life will be held at Townsend Park Picnic Area A on Saturday, June 19 from 1-5 PM with a memorial service at 2pm. After which, the family will welcome extended family & friends to a picnic including many of Jimmy's favorite Syrian foods. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Najar, please visit our flower store.