James Stryker

Mr. James V. Stryker, age 80, of Lincoln Pines Resort, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away Tuesday morning, March 18, 2008 at Spectrum Health-Kent Community Campus, Grand Rapids. The son of Russell E. & Gertrude (Hawley) Stryker, he was born on Dec. 16, 1927 in Grand Rapids. Jim attended Union High School, then served in the U.S. Coast Guard following the end of World War II. He retired from the Kent County Road Commission, where he worked as a driver. In retirement, he helped out at Ed Koehn Ford where he made many lasting friendships and truly appreciated being treated as part of the Koehn family. A lifelong fan of classic Western movies (especially John Wayne films), he enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as boating, but found his greatest pleasure in spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Stryker; a sister-in-law, Millie Stryker; and a son-in-law, Ray Dines. Surviving are his children, Debra Dines of San Antonio, Texas, Teresa Wollen of Grand Rapids, Cindy & David Lehman of Greenville, and Denise Stryker of Grand Rapids; special friend, former wife, and mother of his children, Val Denton of Grand Rapids; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane & Les Snyder; a brother, Charles Russell Stryker, all of Florida; nine grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; special cousins, Eugene & Barb Hawley of Marne; and many other dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where the family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to services. As he wished, cremation has already taken place and burial will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Stryker, please visit our flower store.