James Heeringa

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated local dairy farmer Jim Heeringa passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016 after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 69. A lifetime Whatcom County resident, Jim was born in Bellingham on January 5, 1947, the eldest of Herman and Gertrude (Scholten) Heeringa's seven children, and was brought up on a farm north of Lynden. He graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1965 and married high school sweetheart Shirley Dykshoorn in 1966. He began dairy farming in 1968, which was his lifelong and unwavering passion. Throughout the years Jim was active in numerous local causes and dedicated his time to several boards and committees, including the Lynden Christian School Board, Sumas CRC Church Council, Washington State Dairy Federation, Northwest Dairy Association Board of Directors, and the Whatcom County Planning Commission. He held a deep love for God and his family and was known for his generosity, his tireless work ethic, and his many friendships. He is survived by his cherished wife of 50 years, Shirley; his children Dave (Erin) Heeringa of Sumas, Val (Jeff) Handerson of Sumas, Shari (Trent) Stolearcius of Vancouver B.C., Jamie (Chuck) Valenta of Bellingham, and Dan (Leea) Heeringa of Sumas; his precious grandchildren Bryce (Tori) Handerson, Brooke Handerson, Logan Heeringa, Maria, James, and Nico Brommer, and Maddie and Kaylee Heeringa; siblings Sena (Bill) de Jager, Elsie (Stu) Bakker, Harold (Louise) Heeringa, Marv (Evie) Heeringa, Les (Donna) Heeringa, and Marlys Heeringa; siblings-in-law Shelagh Dykshoorn, Stan (Maxine) Dykshoorn, Ray (Mary Ann) Dykshoorn, Carol (Ron) Dekker, and Rod (Betty Ann) Dykshoorn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim's memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 11am at Sonlight Christian Reformed Church. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center or Lynden Christian Schools. A special thank you to Dr. Jennie Crews and her team at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center for their dedicated and compassionate care. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.