JACOBUS PHOCUS PHILLIPPUS "JACK" HEEREMA Sr.

"And Tell the Story, Saved by Grace." On August 28th, 2025, the Lord took home his child, Jacobus Phocus Phillippis (Jack Sr.) Heerema at the age of 87 surrounded by his loving wife and children. Dad was born October 25th, 1937, in Winsum, Groningen, The Netherlands. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 with his family to Port Arthur, Ontario. He began working at the age of 14 delivering milk for his family's farm, Maple Leaf Dairy located in Port Arthur. Later, after 5 years of farming in Stanley, Jack moved on to a career in the lumber industry. First for Great West Timber, then Headway/Biltrite/Beaver Lumber, finishing off at Home Hardware Building Center as yard foreman until his retirement in 2002. It was Dads hard work, dedication and commitment to this that was an example to all and instilled in us a strong work ethic. Dad and Mom met as teenagers through their church youth group. They married on April 18, 1961, and were blessed with five sons and two daughters. Growing up we always had a bounty of garden harvests that he grew with much care and joy. Dad also enjoyed fishing, and did this often with us as children, and later on with his grandchildren when he could. A great memory was celebrating Dad's 80th birthday at a fishing resort with most of his sons and out fished everyone with the biggest walleyes. In his retirement, Opa enjoyed woodworking, and we are all blessed to have many of his delicately carved wooden ornaments. Over the years Dad was an active member in the Christian Reformed Church, serving both as a deacon and an elder, multiple times. He also was a long-time supporter of Thunder Bay Christian School. Dad/Opa's faith was strong and steadfast, throughout his entire life. We all witnessed this through his words and actions. And for that he was respected by many and considered a pillar in his church. His character and reputation were consistent in every area of his life.

Our Dad and Opa will be lovingly remembered by his wife, his children and their spouses, 27 grandkids and spouses and 29 great-grandchildren who loved him dearly. Left to remember him is his loving wife of 64 years, Irene (nee Fernhout). Son Howard & Colleen; Mallory & Jordan, John & Brittany (Elwyn, Atley), Rachel & Tyler. Son Andy & Teda; Jenna & Jake (Theo, Alida, Lauren, Nora), Jody, Shelby & John (Phoebe, Josie). Daughter Sandra & Kelly Harasen; Angela, Nigel & Karen (Kassy, Daniel, Luke) Jeff & Jessica (Mason, Joel, Rory), Austin & Tara (Ava, Bentley, Chelsea), Nathaniel, Landon & Teralyn, Owen. Son Jack & Carol; Jasmine & Devin (Charlie, Laney), Kaitlyn & Tom (Ayden), Emma & Joel (Ari), Rayson & Michelle (Raelyn, Laci, Sadie) Kevin & Fiona. Son Ron & Stacy; Chris & Kristi (Abigael, Zander), Matt & Tara (Huxley, Hensley), Braiden & Kourtni (Adalynn), Devon. Son Mark & Laura; Nikki & Alex, Nathan. Daughter Nita & Kris Tuuttila; Kaelen & Kassidy, Kieryn, Madisyn.

Survived by his in-laws Ed Grootenboer, John & Betty Fernhout, Jack & Marian Fernhout, Harry & Hilda Fernhout, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, Heerke & Willemtje Heerema, siblings, Henry & Nell Heerema, Fred & Jantje Heerema, Piet & Elly Heerema, Theresa & Hank Guther, Arie & Barbara Heerema, Klazien & Heero Huitsing, Alice & Herman Prenger, Harry Heerema, Carol Heerema, Netty & Dick Kok, Willemina Grootenboer, and two sisters in infancy. His father and mother-in-law, Klaas & Aaltje Fernhout, brother and sister-in-law Matthew & Christine Los.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the TBRHSC Cancer Care Unit for their expertise, dedication, and compassion they gave to dad over the last couple months while Dad was under their care. Recognition and thanks to the paramedics and policemen who came quickly and were able to assist dad and support mom in the early hours last Thursday. Thank you to the ER and ICU doctors and nurses for their professional, yet gentle and kind care towards him and us also. Because of this collective care and compassion, we were given the opportunity to say peaceful goodbyes to our beloved husband, father and grandfather, and great-grandfather. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 5th. Dad's burial will be at 10:00am at Stanley Hill Cemetery (4270 Trans-Canada Hwy, Kakabeka Falls, ON) His funeral service will then begin at 11:00am at Hope Christian Reformed Church (1315 Crawford Ave, Thunder Bay, ON) with Pastor Joel Brigham officiating. The family would like to invite everyone to stay following the service for a light luncheon and a time of visitation. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to Grace Place here in Thunder Bay or the TBRHSC Cardiac Care Unit. For anyone who cannot be there, please join the livestream at https://youtube.com/live/GXvP_qD1cXg?feature=share. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S.

On-line condolences may be made at www.blakefuneralchapel.com