James R. VanVulpen

October 26, 2021 saw the passing of  local historian, James R. VanVulpen.  He was born in Muskegon August 26, 1944.   Jim was a graduate of  Ottawa High School and of Grand Rapids Junior College, 1963-1965.  Jim possessed a talent for remembering the history of Grand Rapids in fine detail, and loved living amidst that history as a lifelong resident in Heritage Hill.  He served on the board of directors of the Grand Rapids Historical Society and, while there, authored the book “Grand Rapids Then and Now”, a popular history of the city’s buildings and landmarks from 1888 to 1988.  In the last 14 years Jim has experienced and survived numerous, catastrophic health crises. At the age of 77, he boasted that he had lived to be the oldest male VanVulpen of his family.  Jim was thankful for the care and concerns his friends showed towards him at the end.  A private graveside service will be held at Fulton Street Cemetery.

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