Jay Bernard Kool, age 91, of Jenison, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Waterford Place. He is survived by his children Marybeth (James Cannon), Doug (Amy), Brenda Rinks, and Tom Rinks; grandchildren Ryan Kool (Michael Venet), Meagan Miskosky (Nick), Dayton, Drake, Nolan, and Beck Rinks, Alisha Ostrowski, Christina, Alaina, and Nate Cannon; great-grandchildren Jacob and Grant Miskosky, and Noah Venet-Kool; sister, Wilma VanZanten; sister-in-law, Joan Koop; many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Kool; parents Jacob and Bertha Kool; sister, Gladys Zuidema; brother, John Kool; and several in-laws. The family thanks the staff of Waterford Place for their loving care.
Soon after graduating from Godfrey Lee High School, Jay enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served in the Korean War. Upon returning to the United States, he began his career, working for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, later AT&T.
Jay met Marilyn Hommerson after his deployment in Korea. They were married on November 19, 1954. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family and, later in life, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jay loved to fish, golf, garden, play games, and travel. He also was a NCAA volleyball referee for many years. He could fix anything and was always willing to help people if they needed repairs done. By people, we mean anyone; family, friends, or strangers. He was willing to serve. Jay was also an avid photographer which began with a purchase of a camera while stationed in Korea. The pictures he took while in Korea resulted in an Artprize entry in 2018. Jay was extremely proud of this installation and attended daily to answer questions about his photographs and time in Korea.
Jay loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He served the Lord in many capacities at Rosewood Reformed Church where he and Marilyn were longtime members. Most recently, he attended Fellowship Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. The family thanks Fellowship Reformed for taking Jay to and from church for several years and Pastor Earl Slotman for his many visits with Jay.
There will be a celebration of Jay’s life at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Waterford Place Chapel, Entrance V, 1725 Port Sheldon Street, Jenison, Michigan. Pastor Earl Slotman will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Sunset Legacy Foundation - Waterford Place. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6