James J. Poot

James J. Poot, age 79, of Rockford, Michigan, passed away Monday evening, May 25, 2026, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Born on October 14, 1946, in Grand Rapids, he was the son of James Jacob and Margaret Mae (Mull) Poot.

Jim graduated from Rockford High School in 1964 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. On April 8, 1972, he married the love of his life, Valerie Lynn Gilbert. Together they shared more than 54 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children.

Jim was a devoted family man who especially enjoyed golfing and hunting trips in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his brother, nephew, son-in-law, and grandsons. Known for his fun-loving spirit and quick wit, Jim always had a joke or funny story ready to share. His sense of humor brought joy to everyone around him, and some of his favorite jokes simply can’t be told the same way by anyone else.

Deeply patriotic, Jim treasured the bond he shared with his brother as they reminisced about serving together aboard the same battleship during the Vietnam War. One of his proudest moments came last year when he participated in the Talons Out Honor Flight alongside his son, finally receiving the heartfelt welcome home he so deserved upon returning from Vietnam.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret Poot.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Valerie Poot; his children, Tina (Chad) Hendrick and Jason (Lindsay) Poot; and his five grandchildren, Lauren (Joe Hansen), Nicholas (Morgann Ausema), and Matthew (Katie Misner) Hendrick, along with Jacob and Catherine Poot. He was also blessed with three step-grandchildren, Riley, Micah, and Addison Williams.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on June 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Casino Club of Grand Rapids, 3260 Salerno Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI. Military Funeral Honors will be rendered at 2:00 p.m. by the Color Guard from American Legion Post 102, the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard, and the United States Navy.

To send a message of sympathy, sign Jim’s online guest book, or share a favorite memory, please visit www.MichiganCremation.com.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638.