James C. Gerrits

James Gerrits, age 77, Green Bay, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015, with his loving family by his side. James was born August 28, 1937. James was the oldest of six children. He was the son of Clarence Gerrits and Mildred (Albers) Gerrits.

James grew up in West DePere, WI. As a young man James joined the army. After completing his tour in the United States Army, he started dating his future wife, Gail (VanEnkenvort) Gerrits. They were married on July 21, 1962.

James had several different career choices as a young man and then decided to work for Techtron Tubing and ultimately retired from that company. Jim was a volunteer at Paul's Pantry for 26 years. He was a huge asset to the pantry and will be missed by all his friends down there.

His children, Dan and Connie were the apples of his eyes. He spoiled them rotten even as adults. He loved them with all his heart. He would do anything for them and was always there for them when they needed him. He was a kind, compassionate, and loving father. He was the best Dad ever! His grandchildren meant the world to him. They were his pride and joy!

Like all of us in Green Bay, WI, he was a crazy Packer Fan. Go Pack Go! Jim loved to fish and hunt. He spent numerous hours teaching his son, daughter and grandchildren to fish, attempting to catch smelt fish and sucker fish with his son and daughter-in-law, and hunting with his relatives and friends in the woods. He would spend hours doing both of these hobbies. Those were two of his favorite hobbies. He also was a great gardener with a green thumb. He loved his plants and always had fun taking care of them and growing the assorted vegetables and flowers in his garden and yard. He loved to show them off.

James (Jim) is survived by the love of his life, his wife Gail; his son, Daniel Gerrits and (Bonnie Semrau-Gerrits), Green Bay, WI; his daughter, Connie and (Roger Garstang), Wentzville, MO. His six, cute, and extremely lovable grandchildren, Matthew, Maria, and Mairee Gerrits; and Lydia, Olivia, and Lucy Garstang. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses,: Gerald, Kenneth and Mary Jo, John and Barbara, Paul and Sue Gerrits; and his sister and her husband, Jane and Gary VanDerWegen.

His Brothers-In-Law Eugene VanEnkenvort (Friend Barb), and David and Kathy VanEnkenvort. His Sisters-In-Law and their spouses, Bernice and William Aerts, Sandra and John Giles, Cheryl (Sherry) and Jay Hewitt, and Elaine Green; Many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Clarence Gerrits and Mildred (Albers) Gerrits; his Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Vincent and Amelia (Molly) (Hock) VanEnkenvort; His Sister-In-Law, Luella VanEnkenvort, His Brothers-In-Law, Leonard Green and Archie Best; and his Sister-In-Law, Joyce VanEnkenvort.

A wake service will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Green Bay, WI, from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, with an informal gathering of family and friends at 7pm. During that time, you can get up and tell us about all your experiences with Jim and the trouble he got you into. We want to celebrate his life in a positive loving way. No tears, just laughs. Please join us.

Thank you to Beth, Terri, and Barb in the ICU unit at St. Mary's Hospital. Thank you for your kindness and compassion and your expertise. It is very much appreciated.