Jochems, James Alan 1957-2006

JOCHEMS, ROOSE, GEERDES

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 19:56:45

James Alan Jochems, the son of Peter Richard and Betty Jeanne Roose Jochems, was born on May 25, 1957 at the Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

His parents were living near Peoria, Iowa where Jim attended the Peoria Christian Grade School and he graduated from Pella Christian High School in Pella, Iowa with the Class of 1975. Following his graduation he attended Indian Hills Community College at Ottumwa, Iowa for 2 years where he studied farm mechanics. Jim then began working at Vermeer Sales and Service of Iowa in Pella as a mechanic in the shop.

In the fall of 1985 Jim met Barbara Wynne Geerdes at a single young adults Bible study retreat in northwest Iowa. Barb was working at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. They had an unusual courtship and pursued a long distance relationship with many miles of travel, telephone calls (no e-mail) and letters. They were united in marriage on October 10, 1987 at the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center.

Jim and Barb were blessed with 2 daughters: Rachel Lynn who was born on March 20, 1990 and Valerie Kaye who was born on August 22, 1994. Jim was a loving and caring father. He continued working at Vermeer of Iowa where he eventually became the service manager.

On May 11, 2006, Jim underwent surgery for an aortic aneurysm and subsequent to that remained hospitalized. On Thursday afternoon, June 15, 2006, he passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella at the age of just 49 years and 21 days. Jim enjoyed remodeling their home, doing the electric wiring, plumbing, dry wall, staining and painting. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and their daughters and family occasions. He loved challenging himself to learn new skills- glass etching, building cement block retaining walls and wooden tractor models, computers and other electronics.

Those who will cherish these memories are his wife, Barb; their daughters, Rachel, who will be a Junior at Pella Christian High School and Valerie, who will in 6th grade at Peoria Christian School at Pella; his parents: Pete and Betty Jochems of rural Pella, Iowa; his older brother, Gary John Jochems and his wife, Carol (Kelderman) and their 3 children: Scott, Emily and Erin of Sully, Iowa; his younger sister, Beverly LuAnn and her husband, Larry Rossow and her daughter, Anne Barker of Newton, Iowa. Jim leaves his mother-in-law, Claralene (Harold G.) Geerdes of Chula Vista, California; a brother-in-law Harley Geerdes and his wife, Debbie, and their 3 children: Abigail, Elizabeth and David of Sammamish, Washington; a brother-in-law, Kevin Geerdes and his wife, Alison and their 3 children: Caitlin, Tyler and Daniel of Parker, Colorado; and a sister-in-law, Evonne Thomas and her 4 children: Courtney, Megan, David and Rebecca of Chula Vista, California.

Jim was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Ella Nieuwsma Roose; and his paternal grandparents, Gerrit and Emma Van Wyk Jochems.

Jim served his Lord every day by life example. He was baptized and made profession of his faith at the Peoria Christian Reformed Church where he remained a faithful lifetime member. He was serving his second term on the Peoria Christian School Board. Jim was a quiet man of few words with a sense of humor. He was kind, compassionate, caring and patient.

Memorials may be given to the Peoria Christian Grade School or the Pella Christian High School.

The Pella Chronicle, July 17, 2006