James Richard Bleeker

James R. Bleeker, age 59, of Portage, passed away in his home on Monday, July 15, 2013. He was born April 1, 1954 in St. Petersburg, Florida, the son of Harry Bleeker and Beverly Ann (Hall) Bleeker. Jim grew up an avid boy scout and spent his teen and young adult years as a camp counselor for YMCA Camp Ahara in Hart, MI and as a gymnastics instructor for the YMCA. Jim graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1973 and later graduated from Western Michigan University in 1976 with a dual degree in Mathematics and Computer Programming. After college, Jim and former spouse moved to Virginia where he worked as a computer programmer for 25 years for the Newport News Shipbuilding Company. Jim was a wonderful father to his two children, Autumn and Scott, and spent his "downtime" driving them to soccer, basketball, and competitive swimming. His interests in naval war ships, lighthouses and his passion for history had an opportunity to thrive in the historical Virginia area. Jim relocated to back to Michigan after leaving the shipbuilding company to be closer to family. After various computer programing roles and subsequent retirement, Jim continued to work for Lakeshore Market by Long Lake in Portage. He was an active grandfather to his two grandchildren, Roxanne and Elliott. Jim was a member of the Colonial Williamsburg foundation, Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, and was an amateur coin and stamp collector. Jim is survived by his daughter, Autumn Anderson and her husband, Anthony Anderson, grandchildren Roxanne and Elliott; his son, D. Scott Bleeker; his sisters, Sarah Bleeker and Laura Bleeker; his brother-in-law, Steve Stuut; and nieces, Rachel Stuut and Jordan Stuut. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation has taken place and visitors are invited to join the family on Monday, July 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Avink Funeral Home on 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI. Additional service information can be found at http://avinkcremation.com . Memorial contributions may be directed to the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society at http://www.outerbankslighthousesociety.org/