In Loving Memory: Rev. James (Jim) R. Kok 1935-2026

 

In Loving Memory: Rev. James (Jim) R. Kok 1935-2026

Remembering Jim Kok (1935-2026)

for anybody unsure, this is about the James R. Kok who grew up in Hills (MN), Bellflower (CA) & Holland (MI) and became a Christian Reformed Church (CRC) pastor, working most of his career at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in west Michigan, & the rest of his career mostly at the Crystal Cathedral in Southern California. (this is noted because there are/were more than one Rev. James R. Kok affiliated with the CRC over the last several decades).   (His wife's name is Linda). 

 (I am not in charge of posting the official obituary so I am posting a secondary obituary notice here on my own website blogs to provide further context & information). There has been some obituary information posted online already at the following links:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-kok-obituary?id=60896647

https://www.communityfuneralservice.com/obituaries/james-kok

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-kok-obituary?id=60896647

On March 21, 2026, all are welcome at the burial ceremony at Artesia Cemetery in Artesia (CA) ( 11142 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703 beginning around 9:00 am (pst). It is a small cemetery and we do not know how many people will attend. If more than expected do attend, we hope the cemetery staff will help direct you to "overflow parking" outside the cemetery (but apparently parking in the high school parking lot across the street is discouraged)  

Later in the day, all are also welcome at a  formal memorial service at the Shepherd's Grove church (4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604) later in the day beginning at 1:30pm (pst), after which there will be gathering in the community hall at the same location for refreshments & an informal time for people to reflect, socialize, & remember Jim, possibly with an open mic to share stories, as well as a photo slideshow, & memorial table etc) 

here's my version of Jim Kok's life & legacy: 

Blessed are those who mourn,

 for they shall be comforted." 

— Matthew 5:4

Remembering James R. "Jim" Kok 

(1935–2026)

James R. Kok, affectionately known as Jim, passed peacefully on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, & a lifelong dedication to Christian kindness. In a striking alignment with his mission, his passing occurred on February 17, 2026, which is also known as Random Acts of Kindness Day, a fitting reflection of the life he spent serving others with compassion, care, love & kindness.

Born on March 29, 1935, in Hills, Minnesota, Jim was the second of five children: Sherwood, Jim, Faith, Kay, & Gary. As an infant, he moved with his parents,Gareth & Katherine, to Bellflower, California, where his father founded Valley Christian School & served as pastor of a Christian Reformed Church (1st Bellflower CRC aka "1st Bell "). The household was steeped in faith, learning, & service, shaping the values that would guide Jim's life.

The family later relocated to Holland, Michigan, where Jim attended Holland Christian Junior High & High School. Tragedy struck during Jim's teenage years when his mother, Katherine, passed away just as Jim was in his final years of high school, leaving a profound mark on him as he struggled with "grief" early in life, which influenced the depth of compassion & understanding he would later bring to his Christian ministry.

 During this time, basketball became both a passion & a source of friendship  & community, as he played alongside his lifelong friend Tony Diekema (future  president of Calvin College) at Holland Christian High, & later Don Vroon as well (future Calvin professor & coach, RIP) (among others he remembered fondly), continuing together at Calvin College (original location) & winning multiple MIAA championships.

Growing up, Jim worked various jobs to make ends meet. In Bellflower, in the 1930's, he picked & sold avocados door-to-door; & also sold the Press-Telegram from street corners, & even drove a tractor for alfalfa harvesting time  (Bellflower at that time still being mostly an agricultural & dairy farming area). 

Later, still growing up,  in Holland (MI) he also worked as a  "paper boy" delivering the GR Press & Holland Sentinel. In addition he worked at various local grocery stores; & at the Holland ballpark selling popcorn & peanuts. 

As a young adult he also worked at Chris Craft, as well as another factory, while going thru college; among other things. As a child he enjoyed boating on Lake Macatawa & also the "car life" with his brother Sherwood. 

After college, Jim studied at Michigan State University (MSU) for a master's in counseling & worked in Kalamazoo in vocational rehab for one year while also still playing basketball for various leagues with friends etc. After one year in Kalamazoo, Jim answered God's call to ministry starting at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia &  then Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, eventually becoming an ordained pastor for the Christian Reformed Church. 

His pastoral care experience included internships at the University of Michigan & a hospital in Gowanda, New York, & he went on to become a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)  supervisor & Pine Rest Hospital & later the Crystal Cathedral, mentoring generations in spiritual care, grief support, & compassionate counseling. 

He also started the annual  International Care & Kindness Conference at the Crystal Cathedral.During seminary, Jim met his beloved wife, Linda Peters, daughter of Leo Peters of Butterball Farms. Together they raised four children—a daughter & three sons across New York, Michigan, Iowa, & California, & were blessed with many grandchildren who continue to carry forward his legacy of faith & kindness.

Jim's ministry spanned decades: serving as pastor in Iowa City starting in 1965, 14 years as CPE supervisor at Pine Rest Hospital in Grand Rapids, & many years as Director of Pastoral Care at the Crystal Cathedral in California. He authored several books, contributed a weekly column to The Banner, and for many years led the annual International Care & Kindness Conference at the Crystal Cathedral, inspiring countless attendees to embrace Christian compassion in both words and actions.

Even in retirement, Jim continued mentoring, counseling, & supporting family, friends, & his community. The timing of his passing on Random Acts of Kindness Day poignantly mirrors the heart of his lifelong mission: to model & promote Christ-centered kindness & care for all.

Jim Kok will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, uncle, loyal friend, mentor, & servant of Christ. His life stands as a testament to faith, resilience through grief, & a steadfast commitment to loving & serving others.

Jim would be "tickled pink" if you commit a "Simple Act of Care & Kindness" (SACK) in his memory, for the sake of our Savior Jesus. 

Rest in peace, Jim. Your faith, care, & kindness, will continue to bless the lives of many. 

***************************

Subject: Invitation to Contribute a Final Farewell  

(must be received by Thursday, March 5, 2026 per funeral home deadline)

 (or if they are received later, maybe we can try to make special arrangements to include them)

Dear Family & Friends

As we prepare to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved father James R. Kok, we would like to invite each of you to contribute a final farewell to be placed with his casket for the March 21 burial. This can be a letter, a card, a favorite photo, or any fond sentiment you wish to express.

• If your contribution can be typed or is a digital photo: Please email it to jkokccc@gmail.com. 

• One of us will take care of printing it.

• If it is a card or other physical item: Please mail it  (or deliver to):
  16828 Chicago Ave
  Bellflower, CA 90706
  Be sure to mark the envelope "For the Casket" so it is handled appropriately.

We hope this gives everyone an opportunity to share memories, love, & gratitude, creating a lasting tribute that will accompany our beloved father (& grandfather, uncle, friend etc) in their final rest.

Thank you for taking part in this meaningful gesture. Your words, pictures, and sentiments will provide comfort & a lasting memory for all of us.

With love & remembrance,

The Kok Family

******

note: The formal term for items like notes, letters, cards, or small keepsakes placed in a casket "in loving memory" is generally funeral or burial memorabilia, but more specifically in mortuary and archival contexts they are often called casket or burial offerings. Other accepted terms include:

• Casket letters – usually personal letters placed inside the casket.

• Funeral keepsakes – more general term for cards, notes, or small mementos.

• Memorial tributes – can include any written or symbolic items left with the deceased.

• Interment items – a formal term in funeral service documents for things placed in the casket before burial.

new article re Butterball Farms

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/butterball-farms-celebrates-70th-anniversary/

when 750 plymouth was brand new

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBggghmOvsN/?img_index=1

H.H. Fitzgerald (specifically Howard H. Fitzgerald) was a prominent figure in Michigan journalism during the early to mid-20th century. He is most notably recognized as the publisher of The Pontiac Press (now The Oakland Press) and played a foundational role in the growth of daily newspapers in the state.

Here is a breakdown of his career and impact:

H.H. Fitzgerald & The "Butterball Mansion" Timeline

• 1890s – Early 1900s: The Foundation Fitzgerald begins his career in the newspaper industry on the west side of the state. He serves as the business manager for the Grand Rapids Press. During this time, he is a rising professional, but not yet the owner of a major media empire.

• 1911 – 1914: Becoming a Publisher He transitions from employee to owner, acquiring interests in several Michigan newspapers, including the St. Johns News and The Flint Journal.

• 1914: The Big Move to Pontiac Fitzgerald leads a syndicate to purchase the Pontiac Press Gazette. This becomes his primary business focus. As the automotive industry (General Motors) booms in Pontiac, the newspaper becomes immensely profitable, turning Fitzgerald into a wealthy "media baron."

• 1927 – 1928: Building 750 Plymouth Ave SE Now wealthy and established, Fitzgerald returns to his "home" city of Grand Rapids to build a trophy estate. He commissions the 10,000-square-foot mansion at 750 Plymouth Ave SE.

  • Status: He builds this house to live among the city's elite (neighbors like the Blodgetts) while still overseeing his newspapers in Pontiac and Flint.

  • Architecture: The house is a grand Italian Renaissance/Tudor Revival design.

• 1930s – 1940s: The Later Years Fitzgerald maintains his presence in both cities but eventually shifts his focus and residence toward Pontiac to be closer to the daily operations of The Pontiac Press. He builds a separate large Tudor mansion on Ottawa Street in Pontiac (which was a local landmark until it burned down in 2020).

• 1950s: The "Butterball" Transition The Fitzgerald family eventually sells the 750 Plymouth estate. It is purchased by Leo Peters, the founder of Butterball Farms.

  • Because the Peters family owned and occupied the home for over 60 years, it became known to modern Grand Rapids residents as the "Butterball Mansion."

More Peters documents

 

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

The letter, dated May 8, 1956, is from "George" to "Leo," discussing an article on divorce and the nature of the church. George expresses his appreciation for Leo's comments and regrets that Leo did not submit his own statement for publication in the Journal. He criticizes the Journal's potential fear of publishing honest reactions and mentions his upcoming trip to Grand Rapids for Synod and research on "Van Raalte," hoping to meet Leo's family there.

• Date: May 8, 1956
• Sender: George
• Recipient: Leo
• Topics: Discussion of an article on divorce, church philosophy, and an upcoming meeting in Grand Rapids.

AI GENERATED TRANSCRIPTION of ABOVE

May 2, 1956.

Dear Leo:

It was good to hear from you, and I count this one of the happy accomplishments of my long article on Diveree [Divorce]. Thank you very much for your kind comments.

I'm sorry you didn's [didn't] act on your desire to send your statement in for publication in the Journal - not because I want public compliments, but becaше [because] I think honest reacticos [reactions] to what we write ought to be prin-tad [printed] as they are in every other honest Journal. I like very much your statement about the distinction bet[ween] "a church of and for the service of our Lord's entire kingdom rather than a church by and for a man-selected group of men..." That is putting it straight. That is, in truth, very much of our sin, and I think it ought to be said. If the Journal will not print that becaше [because] of some fear of the kind of inpression [impression] it will make on some people, the Journal has become no better than the Voices column in The Banner, and has lost some of the simple courage and forthrightness out of which and for which eake [sake] it was born.

I expect to be in Grand Rapids for Synod and a week prior to its meting [meeting] to do some research on Van Raalte. I do hope I might have some occasion to meet with you and your delightful family for a moment or two.

Heartily,

George

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

The image displays a letter to the editor of "The Reformed Journal," written by Leo Peters and dated February 9, 1956. The letter expresses gratitude for a recent article and discusses the church's position on membership qualifications.

Essential information:

• Sender: Leo Peters
• Recipient: The Editor, The Reformed Journal, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Date: February 9, 1956
• Subject: Church membership qualifications and scriptural interpretation

(ORIGINAL LETTER)

The Editors
The Reformed Journal
231 Jefferson Avenue, SE
Grand Rapids 3, Michigan

C
O
P

Dear Sirs:

Our profound thanks to both Rev. Edward Heeremaat and The Reformed Journal for the courageous and scholarly article "Reluctantly Retired" (January issue) covering a subject (divorced ministers) on which our official church organs have been neither courageous nor scholarly.

Thanks are the more due because more often than not our official spokesmen, when dealing with the general subject of church membership, have grossly misrepresented the position of Scripture and the understanding of our historically recognized interpreters.

We pray that other men like Rev. Heeremaat will feel the urge to unmask other of our current institutional shibboleths, particularly on the subject of qualifications for church membership.

Thankfully yours,

(LEO PETERS - likely typewritten name below the closing)

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

The image displays a letter to the editor from Leo Peters, published in a "Notes and Letters" section. He expresses gratitude to Reverend Edward Bossenbroek and The Reformed Journal for an article titled "Reluctantly Endured" and hopes for more discussions on church membership qualifications.

• Sender: Leo Peters from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Recipient/Publication: The Reformed Journal.
• Subject: Thanks for the article "Reluctantly Endured".
• Call to action: Hopes for further discussion on church membership qualifications
• Notes and Letters...
  DEAR SIRS:
  Our profound thanks to both the Rev. Edward Bossenbroek and The Reformed Journal for the courageous and scholarly article "Reluctantly Endured" (January issue)
  We pray that other men like the Rev. Bossenbroek will feel the urge to unmask other of our shibboleths, particularly on the subject of qualification for church membership.
  Thankfully yours,
  Leo Peters
  Grand Rapids, Mi.

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

...he had intended to read earlier than most preachers are expected to read. "churchmen themselves are apt to be a bit embarrassed to have read the Bible," he chuckled as he quickly closed in on the point. He had started the Greek New Testament after teaching himself Greek, so that he could read it to Harry.

He had wanted to read earlier than most preachers are expected to read. "churchmen themselves are apt to be a bit embarrassed to have read the Bible," he chuckled as he quickly closed in on the point. He had started the Greek New Testament after teaching himself Greek, so that he could read it to Harry.

When Harry reached high school age his parents enrolled him in a school where he could have Christian high school - there being none in Chicago that at the time was in the mid forties - so they sent Harry to Calvin Preparatory school in Grand Rapids. Harry boarded a family with whom he could go room and board for $2 a week.

The prep school put great stars by the classical curriculum. "What the young students were expected to get was not just Greek but Latin, but Greek," Salama said, "so they sent me get solid training," he means, to recommend Greek and Latin for preaching.

The faculty was small. Everyone on it had to be able to teach more than one subject. Harry Jellema remembers that he taught Latin for some years, Greek, and Church history there in addition.

Jellema was graduated from the prep school in '41 and went on to Calvin College, where he majored, minored in Latin and took courses in Greek along the way to where Harry Jellema started at Calvin, a subject that became his classes. Having exhausted the opportunities there, but while he was there he was appointed to teach Latin, preached, he went to the University Michigan, where he received his Ph. D. in Philosophy.

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

The image contains a letter to the editor of "THE REFORMED JOURNAL" from Leo Peters, dated September 20, 1957. The letter expresses strong support and gratitude for an article by Dr. James Daane titled "The State of Theology in the Church," praising it for addressing the "foibles and hypocrisies" of the Christian Reformed Church and calling for self-examination and change.

• Author: Leo Peters
• Recipient: The Editors of The Reformed Journal
• Subject: Praising Dr. James Daane's article, "The State of Theology in the Church"
• Core Message: The article is a "strong blast of fresh air" that exposes the church's hypocrisies and calls for long overdue changes.
• LEO PETERS
  750 PLYMOUTH AVE.
  GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
  September 29, 1957
  THE REFORMED JOURNAL
  231 Jefferson Ave., SE
  Grand Rapids 3, Mich.
  
  
  Attention: The Editors
  Sirs:
  Dr. James Daane's article "The State of Theology in the
  Church" is the strongest blast of fresh clean air to
  sweep across our Church's threshold in two generations.
  Ringing far and wide, day and night, Daane has laid
  bare, with measured and reasonable statement, theological
  and ecclesiastical foibles and hypocrisies of the Christian
  Reformed Church.
  The article is clean and fresh because (like Boer's article
  "Here Is Thy Found") it accepts without equivocation or
  excuse our everlasting responsibility for our own self-examin-
  ation of our own deficiencies; for de-emphasizing question-
  able merits and stressing our all-too-obvious (i.e., to every-
  one but ourselves) de-merits - rather than vice versa, as
  has been our official custom in the past.
  Daane counts blessings, but examines with a fine tooth such
  our hypocrisies. He holds fast that which is precious, but
  vigorously pleads for us to "hazard" our means of grace so
  that we may become living confirmations of the faith of the
  saints.
  He has given concrete and understandable expression to mis-
  givings known and/or sensed by ministers and laymen alike;
  and pointed out acceptable basic causes for theological
  ills that have festered virtually unattended since the
  Secession of 1857.
  Our gratitude to God for this article and for the human
  instrumentalities that have given it to us. We pray that
  the Church may find and courageously use it to help make
  some long overdue changes!

FUNNY AI SUMMARY (it had a little trouble deciphering)

This is a letter dated August 4, 1956, from "Min" (likely a shortened name or nickname) to someone named "Door". The author discusses a piece of writing by Door that was edited or censored, expressing disagreement with the deletion and the publication's policy regarding criticism of church leadership. 

Key points: 

• The author was late in responding because they were traveling in Northern California and Grand Rapids (GR).

• They found Door's "Slob-rile" (likely a manuscript or article) informative and agreed that the deleted material, which was critical of church leadership, should have been printed.
• The author mentions a long-standing "intra-staff disagreement" at the publication regarding criticism of specific theologians and church leaders.
• They encourage Door not to give up and to continue writing similar pieces, believing the battle against the restrictive policy must be won through "constant agitation".

Aug. 4, 1956

Dear Len:
Sorry I could not answer you promptly. Your material arrived while I was in LA, and since LA, I have been up in Northern Cal. twice.
I am glad you sent me your Stel-file, for it was surely interesting and informative but painfully so. I am really vexed at what was deleted—I had thought that the deleted material was of such nature that its printability was at least debatable. But surely your remark about lack of courage, etc. is not only perfectly true but, while not pleasant, yet wholly unoffensive. I cannot justify the deletion and wish it had been printed. Such things should at times be said.
It is the old, old, story, the one issue on which there has been a kindly but real intra-staff disagreement almost from the beginning of the W. I ran afoul of it first, and then both George and Barry—after they left LA. I have literally spent weeks writing material that was subsequently rejected because it was critical not of the persons but of the theology of men like Berk. Mead, et al. This matter has been the one disconcerting factor in an otherwise happy journalistic venture. When and just how it will be solved I do not know. I suppose by constant agitation. I know that I shall never be content nor silent about a policy which denies me the right to objectively expose the stupidity and sometime duplicity of our church leadership. We surely owe the Church that much. Why should those who lead us ever be regarded as untouchables? What good motive can be given for such a policy?
In any event, do not give up. Next time you feel the urge to write a similar piece, do it, and send it in. For sure, the battle will not be won by quitting.
I was, as I said on your side porch(or was it back porch) the one who suggested the policy of deletion for the purpose of eliminating dull, irrelevant material, but surely not for the purpose for which it was used against you. We are not yet, however, quite as bad as the Banner where I have had sentences combined in single sentence, parts left out, then embraced in quote marks and presented as something I wrote!
Thanks again for sending the file. My tardiness was not disinterest. And many thanks to you for the many kindnesses you showed me while in LA. Also glad to have come to know you and meet you personally. When in LA, come over.

Most cordially,

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

The image contains a letter from William H. Jellema to Leo Peters, dated August 2, 1954, discussing theological documents and a financial note.

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

• Jellema expresses interest in the documents Peters sent, specifically the argument that a committee is proposing a new doctrine on the atonement.
• He also agrees the committee's stance is reminiscent of Herman Hoeksema's theology.
• Jellema mentions looking for Peters' writing in The Banner and sends greetings to Nancy.
• A section below the letter details payments made by William H. Jellema toward a $6,875.90 note to Leo and Helen H. Peters.

Mr. Leo Peters
750 Plymouth St., S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506

Dear Leo:

Enclosed are the documents which you sent me. I appreciate the fact that you sent them to me and I read them with considerable interest. I think you score very heavily when you urge that the committee is proposing a new doctrine on the atonement. If only we can make more people see this. I think you score heavily too when you urge that the committee's position is a constant reminder of the theology of Herman Hoeksema. I'm afraid, however, that it is difficult to make many people see this.

In any event I shall be looking for you in The Banner. I see that Nancy has already hit The Banner. Give my greetings to Nancy and tell her she's a good writer.

It was good to hear from you and I look forward to seeing you sometime again. Please accept my personal greetings.

Cordially yours,

[Signature: James Daane]
James Daane

As of August 2, 1964:

William H. Jellema, indebted to Leo Peters and Helen H. Peters,
by note dated March 11, 1953.

In the amount of $ 85,198.13

By part payment, check June 15, 1964

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

Mr. Leo Peters
750 Plymouth Road, S.E.
Grand Rapids 6, Michigan

Dear Leo:

I received the letter about which you spoke in the foyer of LaGrave church. I did once, years ago, think this was "Funny Finance." Though I now know better, I shall not presume upon your offer. Since you do not want any new men involved, I send no check, and thank you nonetheless.

I wish I had had more time in Grand Rapids for I wanted to talk to you about your Banner piece, or even more exactly about the response it elicited. When I read the first part of Persenaire's response, I could not believe my eyes. That initial point where you are said to have gone "wrong" and thereby spoiled everything thereafter, namely, that you err not knowing what all stripes of Christian tradition knows, that the death of Christ is not the atonement, but the effects of that death are--this is the worst and silliest heresy I have ever heard about. You surely showed Banner readers the utter incompetency of one of the chief committ members. And you also scored when you spotlighted the truth that adoptic of this Report would be an adoption of a new doctrine. Congratulations.

Hope to be in Grand Rapids during synod, and hope to see you then. Gree to Nancy, unless as I, you are still a temporary bachelor.

As ever,

James Daane 

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

Dear Nancy & Leo,

I can't allow this letter to go out without adding my hillo. Were truly having many interesting & spritly experiences. This morning I visited an African grade school where a wife of a student at TCNN teaches grade 5. We left 7:30 am took our bicycles over 3 miles of bumpy, hilly path, "We are the same the world over - but far more primitive now!" Last night one of the students invited me to his home for African food + fellowship. Now beginning to enjoy their "own" that is if it isn't too highly seasoned!

I'm teaching English to the 34 new certificate students. They certainly ask the questions, & are very interested. I was dubious teaching only, but as far as good. I'm also helping with sewing in the Womens School. No more room, so-

Sincerely,

AI GENERATED SUMMARY and/or Transcript of above

The image is a photograph of an air letter sent from Nigeria to the United States.

• Sender: H. L Dekker, Theological College of Northern Nigeria, P.O. Box 64, Bukuru, Northern Nigeria.
• Recipient: Mrs. Leo Peters, 750 Plymouth Rd NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506, USA.
• Postage: Stamped "Nigeria" with a 3 pence stamp.
• Note: "AN AIR LETTER SHOULD NOT CONTAIN ANY ENCLOSURE, IF IT DOES IT WILL BE SURCHARGED OR SENT BY ORDINARY MAIL."