James Doorlag
August 7, 1936 – April 9, 2026
A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Fred DeYoung will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 89, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Kalamazoo on August 7, 1936, the son of the late Henry and Riksta “Rena” (Engberts) Doorlag. James was a man of faith, honesty and dedication. His joyful spirit made him a friend to all he met and his positivity brightened the days of others. After attending high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served our country until being honorably discharged. He returned to make Kalamazoo his home. He loved driving and enjoyed the freedom of the open road. He began his career as a truck driver for Welders Supplies until he retired. On September 20, 1957, he married the love of his life, Ruth (Wielinga) Doorlag. They enjoyed 68 years of life together. James believed in the Lord and his faith served as a foundation for his life. He was a longtime member at Second Christian Reformed Church and was currently attending Texas Corners Bible Church. Sundays were filled with church fellowship and Gather gospel music. He had a selfless heart and volunteered for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission where he made a great impact. He also was an important part of many mission trips including Appalachian Reach Out. James had a lovely voice, a gift he shared as a member of the Singing Crusaders. James also had a passion for God’s creation and enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and camping. Above all he had a love and passion for his family and his friends. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. James was loved and leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. He is survived by his wife Ruth; four children, Vi (Rick) Thompson, James Doorlag, Michael (Mary) Doorlag, Steve (Leandro Filiputti) Doorlag; grandchildren, Tara (Aaron) Lewis, Eric Thompson, James R. (Susan Rife) Doorlag, Kristen Doorlag, Kimberly (Kevin) Gorsline, Steven B. (Lauren) Doorlag, Amanda Doorlag; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; siblings, John Doorlag, Alyce Bosma, Robert (Judy) Doorlag; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by a grandson, Michael J.P. Doorlag; many siblings.
I first met Jim when we worked together. He was one of the strongest people I ever met! Did his route (attempted) when he was on vacation. While he showed me his route we talked and that’s when we became friends. It still makes me laugh when he’d mention his son having wild parties etc. and eventually that son became my brother-in-law.lol. Last time I saw Jim was last year at a picnic at Gull Meadows farm. We sat and ate with Jim, Ruth and their son Steve. Was a good time! My sister also knew Jim and his twin from back in the days they worked at a pharmacy they used. It was a pleasure to know Jim and his family and he will be missed!
A beautiful obituary of a life well lived. My grandfather, Richard Engberts was the brother of Riksta.
Our deepest condolences in the loss of your Dad. Sending prayers for you, Steve and your family.
Mr. Doorlag always had a smile on his face. On Thanksgiving morning 1985, I was pulling into the church and the parking lot was icy. My wheels were turned in the direction that I wanted to go, but the car was sliding in a different direction. I stayed out of the pastor’s yard but ran into a Buick Skylark. The Skylark slid forward into the Dodge van parked in front of it. I knew who owned the Buick. So after church I found Mr. Doorlag and explained what had happened. He smiled and laughed, then told me that he owned the van also. He never got upset about it and seemed to find humor in the whole ordeal.