VerMeer, James Albertus "Murph" 1941-2023

VERMEER, KING, MULDER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2023 at 12:27:23

Mr. James A. VerMeer, age 81, of Boyden, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at his home in Boyden.

Services will be held at a later date. The Oolman Funeral Home in Hull is assisting the family.

James Albertus “Murph” was born on October 15, 1941, on his parents’ farm northwest of Hull, the second of six children born to Gerrit J. and Jeanette (Mulder) VerMeer. He grew up near Perkins where he attended country school.

He married Elaine Crystol King on May 28, 1959, in Onawa. Murph and “Chris” initially made their home on Perkins Corner, and he worked for area farmers until getting a job at Smit and Son Packing Company in Boyden. The couple moved to Sheldon, and then Boyden, before settling on an acreage between Boyden and Hull, where they built their lifelong home in 1971. In the mid-seventies, Murph and Chris purchased the Boyden Bowling Alley, which they operated for three years before it burned down. Murph then began working as a truck driver for Alton Rendering, which later became Darling International. He retired in 2010, after 32 years, never missing a day of work.

Mr. VerMeer was a member of the First Reformed Church in Boyden. He enjoyed playing cards and raising horses. He also liked to watch Fox News and Vikings football games. Spending time with family and friends was important to him. He was good at making others laugh and made friends wherever he went.

Survivors include his wife of more than 63 years, Chris; his son, Cully VerMeer, of Hartley; his granddaughter, Mandy VerMeer, of Ashton; a brother-in-law, Paul Hoekema; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy VerMeer.

In addition to his parents and stepmother, Pat VerMeer, he was preceded in death by his five siblings, Gert, and her husband, Eugene Vander Hamm; Kenneth VerMeer; Ruth VerMeer, as an infant; Harold VerMeer, and his wife, Nilda; and Marilyn Hoekema.

Memorials can be given to the family for future designation.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.