Barbara Ann James

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Barb graduated from Creston High School and went on to Kendall College of Art Design. She spent her free time with a paint brush in hand creating beautiful pictures.

As a natural caregiver, Barb enjoyed her career at Hope Network working hands on with consumers. She took pride in helping those in her care reach personal milestones as they worked to be independent.

Barbara loved to travel as long as it took her to the beach. Her favorite destinations allowed her to sit and watch the waves whether she was along Lake Michigan or the warms sands of the Gulf of Mexico. As long as there was sand and water to walk along, Barb was at peace.

She enjoyed shopping. Whether a small local gift shop, or big shopping mall, if there was the perfect trinket to be found Barb was sure to find it. She also appreciated house plants, although her thumb was not very green. Gary joked that they have a plant cemetery out back for the remains of Barb’s unsuccessful attempts to keep the leafy greens thriving.

Barb was an outgoing and feisty lady. She had a grace and inner strength that allowed her to stay positive and enjoy life even as her health began to fail. She will be remembered for being devoted to her family and fiercely loyal to her friends.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 20 years, Gary; her son Kenneth (Cathy) Eifling; her grandchildren: Mandi Christian, Taylor Eifling and Bruce Michael McDonald; her brothers Lahn (Sherry) King and Jim (Peggy) Lovely; special nephew Brent King, and special friends: Phil & Sherri Lyman, Scott & Lori Wilson, Ed & Adele Zirnis and Wenzel & Nancy Kalinowski. She was preceded in death by her daughter Kimberly McDonald in 2008 and her parents.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday April 5, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel.