Jack L. Scripsema

Jack Loren Scripsema passed away peacefully on January 25, 2022 at age 95 in Grand Rapids, MI. Jack was a man of great integrity, beloved by everyone who knew him. His positive attitude, joy in everyday life and love of family, were woven into his character. Wherever Jack went, he took time to greet friends and strangers alike, always with a lively conversation. His wonderful wit and trademark one-liners were uplifting and kind. Jack remembered people and listened to what made them unique. His moral compass was strong, always approaching life’s decisions with honesty and humility.

Jack was born on September 7, 1926 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Blanche and Nicholas Scripsema. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret Scripsema and Jeanne Wygant. Jack grew up in East Grand Rapids and was a member of the high school class of 1944. Shortly after high school, his father passed away and Jack took over the family business, Yeakey-Scripps, a wholesale distributor of Armstrong flooring. As with everything in life, Jack ran his company with integrity and treated his employees like family. In 1978, he purchased his wife Dorie’s family business, Air Lift Company and grew the business, continuing to stay involved until the end. Many of the employees of both companies considered Jack a lifelong friend.

Jack met Dorie Pemberton when they were paired together on a blind golf date, which quickly blossomed into a lifetime of love. They were married in 1954 and proceeded to make family life and children their greatest treasures. Family outings to Gun Lake, building a skating rink in the backyard, taking his girls to the zoo, circus or parade, were all activities that Jack adored. Jack often said that the only thing he ever desired was a loving wife and family.

One of Jack's other great passions was the game of golf. He was a lifelong member of Cascade Hills Country Club and an excellent player. Jack and Dorie shared their love of playing golf but more importantly, cherished the friendships that came with it. Whether playing in a scramble with friends or an event with Dorie, Jack always left the golf course with a big smile and many stories. Despite failing eyesight, Jack shot his age at 67 and played golf into his 90's.

In later years, Jack and Dorie moved from East Grand Rapids to the Thornapple River and had a winter home in Naples, FL. They continued to play golf with friends at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples. Graciously generous, Jack lived a lifetime of giving back to others. If someone was in need, he was the first to quietly lend a hand. Jack served on many boards and loved volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket. Dorie and Jack were members of Ada Congregational Church and Naples United Church of Christ.

Jack was preceded in death by Dorie, his devoted wife of 62 years and will be lovingly remembered by their children, Margaret McInerney (Kirk) of Winnetka, IL, Susan Parsons (Jim) of New Canaan, CT, Nancy Koenig (Ted) of Highland Park, IL, and Karie Todey (Brian) of Ada, MI. Thirteen grandchildren will dearly miss him; Brian (Amanda), Julianne (Michael Kizer) and Nancy McInerney; Christine, Ashley, Molly (Andy VandenBerg) and Hayley Parsons; Michael, Stephanie, David and Jonathan Koenig; Taylor and Jackson Todey; and 4 great grandchildren. The family will greet visitors on Friday, February 11 from 3:30-7:00pm at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Saturday, February 12 at 10:30am at Cascade Christian Church,  2829 Thornapple River Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kids’ Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

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