James "Jim" Frieling Olthoff, age 85, of Spring Lake, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 8, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Henry Kenneth and Lula May (Frieling) Olthoff.
Jim was a proud graduate of Muskegon High School (Go Big Reds!). Jim married his high school sweetheart, Ruthann Hartman, on July 23, 1960, in Muskegon. He then received his business degree from Western Michigan University and joined his father's business, becoming a partner in Nichol's Paper and Supply Company. He and his brother, Michael Olthoff, owned and operated the business for many years. Jim retired in 1995.
Jim and Ruthann raised their family in the Tri-Cities, and they were members of St. John's Episcopal Church in Grand Haven for 55 years. He served on the church finance committee and was a vestry member, an usher, and a recipient of the Bishop Service Cross. Jim also belonged to the Muskegon Lions Club, where he served as president.
Jim and Ruthann enjoyed extensive travel to 50 states and 25 countries with family and dear friends. He treasured his time at the family cottage on Upper Silver Lake, Michigan, for 50-plus years and enjoyed spending winters in Naples, Florida, for 40 years. He was an active member of the YMCA and former member of the Spring Lake Country Club. Later in life, he enjoyed reading, puzzles, and doing crossword puzzles; but most of all, he loved playing Crazy Rum. Jim treasured family time, getting together with their many friends and he was very grateful for the opportunities, travel and life he lived.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruthann; his daughter, Kelly (Doug) Suchecki and their children, Adam (Jackie) Suchecki and Molly (Cody) Jones; his son, Greg (Lori) Olthoff and their children: Travis DeMars, Caleb (Ellie) Olthoff, and Sierra (Carl) Johnson; and daughter, Holly (Dan) Streng and their children, Jacob (Dayna) Streng and Anna Streng. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren: Oliver, Charlotte, Quinn, Caroline, Margaret, Ethan, Wes, and Cooper; his brother, Michael (Kay) Olthoff; brother-in-law, Don McGuire; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Linda McGuire; and brothers-in-law, Jim and Jeff Hartman.
The Memorial Service for Jim will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. John's Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Jared C. Cramer officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29th, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation-Greatest Need Fund, or the Tri-Cities YMCA-Building Fund. Please visit www.klaassenfuneral home.com to sign Jim's online guestbook.
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4 Entries
Kim (Kennedy) Gautraud
August 29, 2025
Mr. Olthoff was a dear friend of my father's (Dave Kennedy). They enjoyed many laughs, good times up north, working Lions Club together and a cocktail here and there. I am sure he's having one with my father right now! Rest in Peace!
Tom Tuori
August 27, 2025
Ruthann & family - my sincere condolences on Jim's passing.
Joe and Cindy Wolff
August 27, 2025
Kelly, Greg and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless
Melody Groh
August 27, 2025
The loss is infinite and as 'adopted' family members we cling to all the wonderful memories we shared as co-joined families. So many meals shared, water centered activities, laughter, boat cruises, etc. not to mention all the shenanigans Jim and dad hatched together. The example of character and integrity shaped each of us to strive to do our best. Jim always had a smile and laugh to share with everyone. He's definitely left each of us with wonderful memories we can hold dear to our hearts forever. While he has moved on, he is definitely not forgotten.
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Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417
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