James Stewart

James Edward (Derocher) Stewart, age 70, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. He was born October 5, 1954, in Union City, Tennessee, to the late Lurine “Lila” Krupka. Jim proudly served 10 years in the United States Air Force, during the Vietnam War. Jim was best known for his great sense of humor, his carefree way of living and his laid-back personality. He was a fun-loving guy who always found a way to make you smile or laugh whenever you were around him. He was extremely quick with sarcastic and witty come backs and was still cracking jokes leading up to his final days. Jim was the definition of YOLO. He knew how to make the most of every situation and lived each day as if it were his last. He had an incredible way of retaining trivial knowledge, and did not hesitate to show it off in a friendly game of Jeopardy, which he watched, religiously. He was also a whiz in the kitchen. He was a master in taking a handful of random ingredients and creating an incredible “gourmet” meal. Jim was a well-rounded individual that left a lasting impression on anyone who truly got to know him. Survivors include his four children, Jacson Derocher, Linda Nelson, Sonja (Brad) Holloway, and Nikki (Shaun) Cowles; grandchildren, Jacson Jr, Jerry, Cheyenne, Mackenzie, Bailey, Kayliana, Isaac, Jacob, Chloe, Raven, Talon, Lyrik, Lincoln, and Bowie; great-grandchildren, Lilliana, Gabriel, Arilena, and Juliana; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lila (Walter) Krupka; his sister, Linda Lary; and granddaughter, Genessy Skye Cowles. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at 7099 12th Avenue, Jenison, MI, 49428, with sharing of memories starting at 4:00 p.m. and military honors to follow. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice and MediLodge of Wyoming for their help and care throughout this difficult time and a huge thank you to Community Rebuilders for their knowledge, compassion, support and services over the last several years of Jim’s life. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jim’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Stewart, please visit our flower store.