DEVRIES, Jack B.
Kalamazoo
Age 85, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Jack was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 3, 1936, the son of the late Richard and Margaret (Miller) DeVries. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and went on to earn both his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Western Michigan University. Jack served his country honorably in the United States Army. He retired from the HR Department at Borroughs Manufacturing after many years of employment. Jack worked as a major fundraiser for WMU’s Gary Fund and is recognized for his contributions at the John E. Fetzer Center. Jack loved to fish and golf. He was very artistic and skilled at woodwork and carving. He also enjoyed making duck decoys and playing the harmonica. Jack and his wife, Nancy, enjoyed wintering in Sun City West, Arizona and eventually moved there full time. On December 30, 1961, Jack married the former, Nancy A. Grunwaldt, who preceded him in death on October 1, 2013. His was also preceded in death by his daughter, Crisi Brady; grandson, Tyler Ballentine; sister, Barb McBarnes and brothers, Robert and Dick DeVries. Jack is survived by two daughters, Katie (Bill) Cody and Alice (Jon) Tomer; son in-law, Sean Brady; grandchildren, Ethan Cody, Ryan and Lucy Tomer, Alex and Bryce Ballentine and Shawnie Brady; great-grandson, Clayton Ballentine; sisters, Betty (Tom) Meeth and Carol Cuciurean; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Private interment with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Kindred Hospice.