James H. "Jumbo" Stoken, Jr.

James “Jumbo” Herbert Stoken, Jr., born November 11, 1961, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to James and Sandra Stoken, passed away on August 31, 2025, after a hard fought battle with cancer. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Jumbo carried the values of a Marine throughout his life and remained faithful to God, family, and friends.

He was a graduate of ITT Technical Institute and spent much of his career in the paper industry, most recently working at Western Michigan University. James loved his family dearly and, above all, loved his children. He proudly fathered Alyssa, Stacy, and Michael, and when he and Maggie came together, he welcomed and loved his bonus children, Sara and Haley.

Jumbo was a friend to many—childhood friends, Marine Corps brothers, Hardy Dam friends, Schnable Lake friends, pub friends, hunting buddies, Cribbage buddies, and countless others whose lives he touched. He cherished the outdoors, with a passion for hunting and fishing. He and Maggie enjoyed vacations in Colorado hunting elk, mule deer, and even bear. He loved to fish for bluegill, smallmouth bass, walleye, and the many species they pursued during visits to Grand Isle, Louisiana. He loved his days of camping with the family and floating on the river up at Hardy Dam! Jumbo was a man who truly enjoyed life; he woke up every day singing and could often be found with a smile on his face. He was the best Papa and Grandpa, a faithful man of God, kind to all, and generous to those in need.

Jumbo was preceded in death by his father-James H. Stoken Sr., his brothers Greg and Chad, as well as his father-in-law Jessie, mother-in-law Bobbie, and brother-in-law Lester. His legacy continues in those who remain and look forward to the day they will be reunited with him: his wife Margaret (Maggie) Stoken; his mother Sandra and his “other dad” Allen Conklin; his beloved children Alyssa Stoken and partner TJ, Stacy Stoken, Sara Jenkins, Haley Jenkins, and Michael McCune; and the joy of his life, his grandchildren Cody, Jaylyn, Zoe, and Zayne. He is also survived by a nephew who was like a son, Danny Landis and his daughter by heart Laura Johnson: his sister Julie, her husband Jim Rummelt; his sister Jodi, her husband Phil Mendham; siblings Koral, Dalynne, Pattie, Darren, and Mike; brothers-in-law Larry, his wife Chris Rasnake and Corbett Rasnake, OJ Moss and his wife Christy; the brothers who he chose – including Donnie Goltz, Darren Jamieson, Brian Button, and many others. He is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and many friends who became family.

James enjoyed life and will be missed by all who knew him. Truly a believer in seizing the day, his intention was to enjoy each day here on this earth. He was so well loved by his wife, his children and his grandchildren who will miss him terribly, but will continue on with his legacy of enjoying each and everyday that is given to us.

Visitation with the family is from 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the Martin United Methodist Church, 969 E. Allegan Street, Martin, MI. 49070, with a celebration of Jumbo’s life beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps and a light luncheon and time for fellowship will follow the ceremonies.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make memorial contributions to the Martin & Shelbyville UMC Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the church.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jumbo’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.