James Allan Straub

James “Jim” Allan Straub was born in Grand Rapids on February 13, 1946 and passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020, lovingly surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Gail for 50 years. In addition to Gail, Jim is also survived by his daughters, Maureen Anne (Dan) Dolan, Jill Suzanne Straub, and Kathryn Mary (Jay) Friend; grandchildren, Brendan and Jenna Dolan, and Niklaus and Adeline Friend; siblings and in-laws, Pat (Sam) Fessenden, Nancy (John) Myszka, Linda (Larry) Olson, Rick (Mary) Straub, Jim and Nancy Symko, Phil and Sharon Symko, Jane Symko and many neices, nephews, and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene (Kohn), and father, Irwin Straub; brother, Chris Straub; and brother-in-law, Tom Symko.

Jim’s proudest accomplishments were his family, and serving in the United States Marine Corps, including a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam. His list of achievements include 27 years as Detective Lieutenant from the Kent County Sheriff's Department, Original Catalogue Director of the Mathias Alten Catalogue Raisonne, and providing significant contributions to the book, Mathias Alten: Journey of an American Painter. Jim was honored to have been appointed by Gov. Milliken to the Board of Forensic Polygraph Examiners and by the GR mayor to the GR Historical Commission. Additionally, Jim served as President of the Command Officers Bargaining Unit at the Kent County Sheriff's Department and Vice President of the GR Historical Society. He was also a member of the Board of Kent County Employees Credit Union, the Kent County Pension Board, the Art Advisory Committee for Butterworth Hospital, the Acquisitions Committee at the GR Art Museum, the GVSU Gordon Gallery Advisory Committee, and the Collections Committee at the GR Public Museum, as well as a volunteer researcher at the GR Public Museum.

In addition to his many accomplishments, Jim had a special gift for writing poetry and storytelling. He could tell stories like no other, which were often tinged with humor and wit.

Memorial donations may be made to the GVSU "Anita M. Gilleo Endowment for the Mathias J. Alten Catalogue Raisonne" (https://www.gvsu.edu/giving/give-online2.htm?/fundld=30952) or the Grand Rapids Public Museum. A private burial service will occur on August 13, 2020. Following the burial, friends may join in a celebration of Jim’s life at 2:00pm at Palmer Park on 1275 52nd St. in Wyoming. Masks and social distancing will be required.