"Papa Jim" Vanderwall

Jim Vanderwall LaQuinta, CA James Edward Vanderwall, “Papa Jim”, of LaQuinta, CA, formerly of Norton Shores, MI, went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the age of 92. Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Jim was born on May 11, 1929 in Muskegon, MI to Edward and Bertha (Hanekamp) Vanderwall. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Stella Wagner, and his brothers, Elmer Vanderwall, Donald Vanderwall, and Harold Vanderwall. Jim graduated from Muskegon High School, M.S.U. and University of Michigan. He started his education career with Muskegon Heights Public Schools, then went to Laketon School District as assistant superintendent. He taught at MSU in their education department. He retired from Muskegon Public Schools as Principal of Nims School. Jim was very active in the community. A member of Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Fraternity, a member and past president of American Business Club; a member of Serra Club, Knights of Columbus, N.E.A and M.E.A. He belonged to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Desert, CA, and the LaQuinta Country Club. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and good times with family and friends. He will be sadly missed and remembered by his loving wife of 44 years, Donna (Nutt) Vanderwall of La Quinta, CA, his children Beth (Bob) Marine of North Muskegon, MI, Jim (Beth) Vanderwall of Grand Rapids, MI, Sue (Wayne) Cypert of Margate, FL, his stepchildren Rochelle Zack of Palm Springs, CA, Eric (Heather) Zack of North Muskegon, MI, his grandchildren, Lee Marine, Kelly Bouwman, Jonathan Vanderwall, Jennifer Dearnley, Andrew Vanderwall, Travis Cypert, his step-grandchildren: Maddelyn Zack, Erica Zack, Ella Klimsza, Jack Klimsza, Grace Klimsza, and his six great-grandchildren, in addition to his sister-in-law Wilma Vanderwall of Fullerton, CA and many nieces and nephews. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Desert, CA. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Muskegon, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Muskegon AMBUCS, or Reliance Hospice of Palm Desert, CA. Please share your memories and photos of Jim on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com. Arrangements were handled by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, TN, (423) 775-2662.

"Papa Jim" Vanderwall

May 11, 1929 - July 7, 2021