May God bless you and your...
I learned so much from Jim and the entire 6th grade team during my early years of teaching. Jim had such a great rapport with students, and I am grateful for him being a role model for me.
Tom Wier
July 26, 2025 | Work


Jenison, Michigan
05/05/1946 - 06/25/2025
James Edward Kerbel, age 79, passed away on June 25, 2025, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on May 5, 1946, in Sheridan, Wyoming, Jim was a devoted family man, lifelong educator and coach who left a lasting impact on countless students and athletes. He grew up on a dairy...
Read MoreI learned so much from Jim and the entire 6th grade team during my early years of teaching. Jim had such a great rapport with students, and I am grateful for him being a role model for me.
Tom Wier
July 26, 2025 | Work
So, sorry for your loss
Lee
July 25, 2025 | Friend
Kerbs was one the best of the best. Jim coached with our Woody group in the successful 1990´s, and he was a major reason. He was always caring for the players and the other coaches. I am lucky to have called him friend and shared many coaching times and smiles with him. The community is experiencing a great loss in his passing, may God bless.
Carl Jautakis
July 24, 2025 | School

To the family and loved ones of Jim Kerbel: As you know, I was so deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was truly one of the kindest, most genuine souls I've ever known - thoughtful, honest, and always willing to give of himself to help others. From our high school and 4-H days to every moment since, Jim's warmth and quiet strength left a lasting impression. I feel grateful to have called him my friend, and I'll always treasure the memories we all shared. He touched so many...
Susan Brayton
July 16, 2025 | Friend
So sorry to hear your sad news. Jim and you played such a wonderful part in the lives of so many kids, including my own. What wonderful memories you must have. Prayers for peace and may you and your family, Kris, JR, feel God´s loving presence in days going forward
Maggie Schuitman
July 13, 2025 | Friend
Jim umpired many of my Softball games I coached at Caledonia. He was a fair umpire and always had a smile on his face whenever I saw either a home game or away. Sorry for you loss. You will be in my prayers Tom Kaechele
Tom Kaechele
July 02, 2025 | Friend
Mr. Kerbel was my 6th grade teacher. He was always there for me when I need someone to talk to all the way through graduation. He didn't judge me for anything. Mr. Kerbel you meant a lot to me, I will miss you.
Stacy Klaus
July 01, 2025 | Other
I´m so sorry to learn of Jim´s passing. He was my very first friend when I began teaching. He took me under his wing and made my first year go smoothly, a great friend and mentor. As is stated in his obituary, he had the greatest laugh and smile. We always looked forward to his dad coming to visit, another great guy. I´m sorry we never were able to meet up in Colorado, tried a few times. Sue and family you Have my sincere condolences, prayers ands sorrow.
Pat Quinn
June 29, 2025 | Work
So sorry Phylis for you and family´s loss. Never easy to lose a loved one
Jan Montville
June 29, 2025 | Other