John Jasperse

John M. Jasperse of Grand Rapids passed away on August 8, 2020.  He was born on October 15, 1922 on a flower farm owned by his parents in Cascade, the second of five sons to Marie and Cornelius Jasperse. He was the last surviving member of the Lowell HS class of 1940. His Aunt Cora paid for his tuition and he graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in accounting and immediately began service as a Navy lieutenant during WWII. He served as quartermaster on a troop supply ship in the Pacific, one of five ships without an engine and pulled across the ocean by various tugs.  He saw a mushroom cloud over Inoutic Island.  He returned to the U of M for his MBA and also obtained his CPA. 

He started his career at Ernest & Ernest where he romanced and married one of Grand Rapids first woman CPAs, Alicent Epps, in 1950.  He held various senior finance positions with several Grand Rapids manufacturers including Dexter Lock Co.  Upon his first retirement,  he went to  work for Paine Webber and became one of their most productive national stock brokers. 

He served a term as national President of Round Table International organization and was one of the longest tenured members of East Congregational Church.   

He traveled throughout the US on many family vacations.  When John retired the second time, he and Alicent  traveled extensively around the world. His favorite trip was up the Amazon and  Negro Rivers in Brazil.  Alicent's favorite trips were Vienna and Moscow.

He loved spending time with his family. He cherished golfing with his four sons;  playing round robin bridge all day with Alicent, his sons and their spouses at the cottage; and enjoying holidays, birthdays and special events with them, the  grandchildren and great grandkids. He was especially proud that his sons get along and still golf and play bridge together.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alicent, brothers James, Paul(Lois) and Bob, and most of his lifelong friends.  He is survived by brother Roger (Vera) of Fayetteville, Pa. sister-in-law Yvonne (Bob) of Grand Rapids, sons James (Monna) of Columbus, Ohio, David (Karri),  of Holland, Tom (Betsy)  of Fremont, and Tim (Pam) of Grand Rapids. He's also survived by five grandchildren Ashley (Patrick) Frayer, James and Scott, and Kathryn and Jennifer and three great grandchildren: Brooklyn Wascher Jasperse, Janie Jasperse and Ellie Grace Frayer.  There are many surviving nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, an immediate family only graveside service will occur in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and cards, John wishes donations be made to the Alicent Epps Jasperse Memorial Fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, 185 Oakes St. S.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 

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