James Timmer

James A. Timmer, age 83, of East Lansing, passed away on November 19, 2008. Surviving are his wife, Constance; and their three children, J. Scott (Ingrid) Timmer of Grand Rapids, Melissa Ann (John) Endres of East Lansing, Julie Marguerite (Gary) Wilcox of Winnetka, IL; seven grandchildren, Nicole Timmer, Sydney Timmer, Kinsley Timmer, Maggie Endres, Elizabeth Endres, Chelsea Wilcox, Jeffrey Wilcox, and Julia Wilcox. Mr. Timmer was one of ten children. He is survived by his brothers, Peter Timmer, John J. Timmer (twin), Ivan (Marcia) Timmer and sister-in-law, Marian Timmer. Also surviving are 27 nieces and nephews. Mr. Timmer was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ida Timmer, brothers, Matthew and Edwin Timmer, sisters, Grace Vandersloot, Sarah Ritsema, Esther Doesema, and Margaret Timmer. All of his brothers served in World War II except Ivan, who is a veteran of the Korean conflict. Mr. Timmer was born in Grand Rapids, MI and upon graduation from high school, served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Europe during World War II. He graduated from Calvin College where he played varsity baseball, and the University of Michigan Law School, class of 1956. He served as the head of the Criminal Division of the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office followed by over 40 years in private practice. He retired from private practice in 2001, but continued to serve as a mediator and arbitrator until his death. Mr. Timmer was a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and the Ingham County Bar Association, where he served as Secretary from 1961-1963, and as President from 1977-1978. In 2000, he was chosen as the Ingham County Bar Association Outstanding Lawyer. He served on the Medical Legal Committee of the State Bar of Michigan, and was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court as a member of the Representative Assembly. Additionally, he was a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. Mr. Timmer was a past member of the International Association of International Accident Boards and Commissions. He was a longtime member of the River Terrace Christian Reformed Church in East Lansing, where he served as both an elder and deacon. Mr. Timmer lived a rich life devoted to his faith, family and profession. He will be remembered for his many abilities, deep integrity, wisdom, and keen wit. Go Blue! The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing on Saturday, November 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be held Sunday at River Terrace Christian Reformed Church, 1509 River Terrace, East Lansing at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvin College, 3201 Burton Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546-4301, in memory of James A. Timmer.