Jay Vree Obituary & Funeral | Jenison, MI | Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes (2024)

Gentle, kind, and openminded, Jay Vree lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. A man who embodied the principles of his faith, Jay welcomed each moment as a gift and every person as a friend. Jay's quiet confidence, ready help, and unwavering support inspired all who were blessed to know him. Jay listened with compassion and empathy and encouraged others by example to always hold onto their faith and hope. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Jay will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

On March 28, 1947, in Weesp, the Netherlands, Albert and Willemina (Schook) Vree welcomed their third child, Jasper Jay Vree. Growing up just outside Amsterdam, Jay's early years were rich in outdoor activities. Jay enjoyed playing sports like soccer, skating on the canals, and taking swim lessons in cool, early mornings in the very cold river. He would get to these lessons by riding with his mom on her bike. The family enjoyed frequent trips to the beach, bicycling, and soaking in the sun, sand, and ocean. As he grew older, Jay would take the train to Amsterdam to attend junior high school. He found a bit of mischief along the way, especially with his younger brother Keith. The two shared a close friendship and fought like brothers.

While Jay's father had long wanted to go to America, his mother couldn't leave her mother in the Netherlands. Once Jay's grandmother passed away, plans were made to emigrate. The family took a ship to America, passing through New York on their way to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they were sponsored by their VanderBrook family. When they arrived in May, the Vrees knew no English, so they learned by immersion. Jay and his brother attended summer school to quickly learn English and their new country's customs. A proud American, Jay always appreciated the Dutch influences in his life.

The family made their home at 328 Charles Street SE. He played football in high school and graduated with the Central High School class of 1966. Having learned to iron at a young age, Jay was always dressed sharply. Following graduation, Jay began working work at a local plating factory. He quickly realized that factory work was not for him, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Though he wasn't a U.S. citizen at the time, Jay served with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade during the Tet Offenses in Vietnam and would later be offered a Purple Heart, but turned it down because others had worse injuries.

After safely returning home, Jay enrolled at Grand Rapids Junior College. While attending college, Jay had the good fortune of meeting Sheri Bechtold in a geography class. As he tried to copy notes from her desk, sparks were not immediate. Eventually, they went on a date to watch Easy Rider. He must have been interested enough as he trimmed his hair to meet Sharon's mother's requirement to date her daughter!

Jay and Sheri's families had a lot in common. They both embraced deep family values, and each was easily welcomed into the greater family of the other. In time, the couple began planning for their future and married on August 24, 1973, at St. James Church. The newlyweds honeymooned in Nags Head, North Carolina, before returning home and settling into their marriage.

After living for a short time on Lake Michigan Drive, the Vrees moved to Jenison in 1976, where they made their own home for the rest of Jay's life. Here, they welcomed and raised their three sons, Steve, Ryan, and Nick. Family was always first and foremost to Jay. He diligently helped around the home, cared for Sheri and her concerns, and treasured time with his boys. He coached them in wrestling, swimming, Science Olympiad, maintaining his sense of calm confidence, understanding, and empathy. His personal growth mindset rooted him in the practice of using his own and his boys' mistakes as learning opportunities. Never afraid to help around the home, Jay helped Sheri in the yard, helped with laundry and cooking, and even raked the carpet before Sheri arrived home. In 1985, they put a pool in their backyard, where they loved to host parties. Many traditions were started at their home that continue to this day.

Jay continued his education, first at Central Michigan before completing his degree at Grand Valley State College, where he would later earn his Master's Degree as well. For 35 years, Jay taught special education in Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he worked closely with Don Rutherford, who became a longtime friend. A lifelong learner, Jay always loved reading, usually historical books.

The family loved to travel. Many spring breaks were spent at beaches in the south; they enjoyed time at Disney and a trip out west, as well as backpacking in the Upper Peninsula. Jay and Sheri adventured on many cruises where his calm and laid-back nature felt very natural. They were also able to travel to Europe on several occasions. Much of Jay's and his family's socializing and traveling was done with extended family members. Since they did much with family, he was influential in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Many of their trips involved friends, including Chuck and Mary Crowley.

Together, Jay and Sheri were dependable and faithful to those around them, quick to help, and always kind. Though Jay preferred to help behind the scenes, Sheri was quick to volunteer, and he was always there to help her. They were founding members of Holy Redeemer Parish in Jenison.

Jay and Sheri were blessed with grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them. They faithfully attended their various activities and supported their interests at every turn. Jay loved to talk with each of them, but his best gift to them was the wonderful example of a father he was to his children so they could be good fathers to their own children. A couple of Jay's favorite sayings through the years that his family will long remember, "It is what it is" and "You can't take it with you," reflected his unwavering faith and determination to live each day to the fullest.

Early this year, Jay began noticing little changes in his health. In February, his life changed quickly upon being diagnosed with bile duct cancer. In the face of the challenges and discomforts of this aggressive disease, Jay found much comfort in his family, friends, and medical staff, who supported him in his final months. Special thanks to Cheryl Ondarko, who also gifted her care. Jay always had a love for the sun and enjoyed it from his own deck during his last weeks. With all of this loving and capable care and his steadfast resolve, Jay was able to remain in his home much of the time and spent his final moments, as he wished, with his beloved wife and sons.

As we celebrate Jay's beautiful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we give gratitude for our many blessings, confidently face life's challenges, cheer on our loved one's endeavors, give of our time and talents in service of others, and share time with those we love, we celebrate the countless ways Jay made the world a better place. In this way, we keep Jay's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Jay Vree, age 77, of Jenison, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 16, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri; children (and grandchildren) Steve & Stacey (Lillian, Coleman, Anderson), Ryan & Megan (Hayden, Liam, Norah), Nick; sister, Anke (Phillip) Pearson; brother, Keith (Marcie) Vree; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Mary Vree, Margo (Paul) Heitzman, Jack (Cindy) Bechtold; as well as nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Willemina (Schook) Vree; brother, Arie Vree; sister-in-law, Patricia (David) Boruta.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 11 AM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Jenison. Friends are invited to visit with Jay's family on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 5 – 7:30 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, where a time of sharing will begin at 7:30 PM. Friends may also visit Jay's family at church on Monday, beginning at 10 AM.

For those who wish, memorial donations to either GLO Ministry or Jenison Pink Out are appreciated. To read more about Jay, share a favorite memory or photo, or sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com