Jeffrey H. Beusse

Jeffrey Henry Beusse, born on March 22, 1944, in Hollywood, California, was adopted by James Henry Beusse and Jeannette Mellema Beusse. He spent his youth in Denver, Colorado, where he graduated from South High School and led the debate team to a state title. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Kalamazoo College and studied for a quarter at Wilhelm University in Münster, Germany, graduating with the class of 1966. Jeff earned a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Idaho and a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Washington in 1974, specializing in Victorian poetry. In 1978, Jeff received a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he served as law review editor. 

During his time at Kalamazoo College, he met the love of his life, Margaret Porter. They married and enjoyed 57 wonderful years together. Jeff is survived by his wife Margaret Beusse, daughter Heather (Joseph) Eberhardt, son Blake (Taylor) Beusse; granddaughter Elizabeth Beusse; grandsons William Beusse, Michael Beusse, Jeffrey Eberhardt Jr. and Charles Eberhardt.

Among his many accomplishments, Jeff served on the Board of Directors for Project Rehab, the East Grand Rapids Library Commission, and the Grand Rapids Round Table. He co-founded the West Michigan Warriors Hockey Association. Jeff served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Burke E. Porter Machinery Company, where he also served as counsel and helped the company expand to international markets. He was a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Association and served on the 1994-95 selection committee for the public defender for Western Michigan. Jeff was a proud philanthropic supporter of many organizations, such as the Griffins Youth Hockey Foundation and Crested Butte Land Conservancy. He also established a scholarship in English at Kalamazoo College.

Jeff was a dedicated father and grandfather who lived to mentor and guide his family, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. He was an avid sports fan, passionately supporting his children's high school and college sports. He loved flying the Husky flag (despite being a bigger Wolverine fan) and hearing from neighbors when it was upside down. Jeff enjoyed spending his spare time at hockey rinks, ski slopes, tennis courts, and ball fields, cheering on his son Blake and grandsons Billy and Mikey in hockey, Heather and Mikey in tennis, Heather in downhill ski racing, and Betsy in field hockey and lacrosse. On summer weekends, he could be found at the lake in Newaygo, reading in the den, and enjoying quality time with his family. Jeff had a special place in his heart for the Rocky Mountains, which he explored as an Eagle Scout in his youth, and he loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where he enjoyed time with his grandsons Jeffrey Jr. and Charlie.

Jeff was an avid reader and loved recommending books and articles until his final days. His last recommendation was "Blue Nights" by Joan Didion. He would like to remind everyone that family is everything.

A memorial visitation will be held in Jeff's honor at Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, on Tuesday, July 16, from 4 - 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Hospice of West Michigan  or The Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Hockey Foundation .

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