February 18, 1939 – March 4, 2024
James Gritter, age 85, of Schererville, IN, formerly of Crete, IL went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 4, 2024. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, MI, moved to southern Ontario for many years when his father was commissioned with starting areas churches and then returned to the United States to attend Calvin College. Jim was the beloved husband of the late Edith “Edie” Gritter, nee Broer. Together they raised their family in South Holland, IL and attended Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church. Jim served in many ways as elder, men’s Bible study leader, Sunday school teacher, music committee and performance, librarian, on many committees and editor/writer for the church newsletter the Profile. Jim loved singing and playing piano and participated in many Illiana area choirs. He enjoyed being a teacher at Calvin Christian School, print manager at RR Donnelly and the Bible League, and retired working part time at Dutch American Foods, and was known for his kindness, intelligence, patience, and devotion to his faith.
He was a loving father of Judie (Mike) Holleman and Michael (Coleen) Gritter, and devoted grandfather of Julia (fiancé Michael Van Den Top), Mark, Sara, and Luke Holleman, and Ashlyn and Joshua Gritter. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Cliff, Gordon, Nelson, Nelma (Mick) Jasperse, Will, Marian Broer, and Willaine Gritter. He was a cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Rev. John and Jeanette (Schoolland) Gritter. Jim was loved by many friends and family and will be missed.
Visitation with family and friends on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home. Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Alliance Defending Freedom or Dordt University Music Department.
For further information, please contact 219-322-7300.
