Jim Hoekstra

HOEKSTRA, JAMES "JIM" FOPPE - Following a lengthy illness Jim, surrounded by his family, peacefully went home to be with his Lord on December 17, 2008. A loving husband and father, he leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Sharon (nee Billinger), his children and their spouses, Eric and Corinne, Jay and Rita, Julie And Chris (Gibson). Loving Grandpa to Ian and Abbey; Annika, Evelyn and Isabel; and Jonah. Brothers and their spouses Ed and Gwen, Jake and Hendrika, Durk and Gerda, Abe and Linda, Joe and Dianne. Son-in-law of Anna Billinger. Brother-in-law of Sheila and Warren Carman, Catherine Billinger, Marsy and Paul Gulde, Tom and Kathy Billinger, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was born May 10, 1940 in Schiermonnikoog, Friesland (Netherlands) and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952. Jim was the driving force behind Jim's Lawn & Garden Equipment in Woodstock from April 1966 until August 2008. Over the years Jim was involved in many aspects of community life, The Woodstock Flying Club, Scouts Canada, Sweaburg Lions Club, Sweaburg Optimists, Oak Branch Masonic Lodge, Mercer Wilson lodge and Thames Valley Innerkip Order of the Eastern Star. He had an excellent bass voice and sang in different choirs including, The Belcantos and Sweaburg United Church. He was predeceased by his Father Joe Hoekstra 1958, his Mother Renske Hoekstra Bakker 1999 and his sister Mitzi Idema 1991, his brother in law Bill Idema in 1997, and his Father-in-law Jim Billinger in 1996. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He lived life to the fullest with no regret. Friends may call at the Longworth Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, 519-539-0004 on Friday December 19, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, where the complete funeral service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 2:00 pm with Rev. Liz Lemon officiating. Interment later in spring of 2009. Contributions to the Kidney Foundation or the London Health Sciences Centre - University Campus ICU would be appreciated. A Masonic Service under the auspices of Oak Br. # 261 Masonic Lodge Innerkip A.F. & A.M. will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:15 pm. An Eastern Star service under the auspices of Thames Valley Innerkip Order of the Eastern Star # 199 will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 pm. Online condolences at www.longworthfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Saturday, December 20th, 2008 2:00pm, Longworth Funeral Home