JAMES BOSMA

James Bosma, 88, of Emo, Ont., passed away Thursday, May 1, 2003 at the Emo Hospital in Emo surrounded by his family.
James was born Feb. 8, 1915 in Oostermeer Friesland, The Netherlands, where he took up farming as his occupation. He was married in Holland in 1940 to Irene and together with two young children, they immigrated to Canada in September, 1948 and settled in Oberon, Man. and then to Transcona.
In 1952, the family moved to Burriss, Ont., where James bought a farm. He operated his farm until 1982, when he retired.
He served on the board for the Clover Valley Co-op, and also served on the Ontario Milk Marketing Board as a delegate for the Rainy River District. He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Emo and also served as a deacon in the church, and was the first elected deacon in 1953 when the church was organized.
In 1986, he moved to Emo, where he had lived since.
He loved gardening, growing daffodils and tulips, horses, birds, as well as carving wood, and was most famous for his little boots. He also enjoyed travelling south, which is where he developed his carving skills.
He was a good carpenter who built his own home and barn, and also built spinning wheels for his grandchildren. He developed his own bee hives to pollinate his fruit trees, and he loved a good challenge and was always there to lend a hand to those in need.
Most important in his life was his love for his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
James was united in marriage May 30, 1940 to the former Irene Dykman, who survives along with their five children, Audrey (Arie) Borger of Emo, Ont., Kathi (Paul) Michmerhuizen of Zeeland, Mich., Margaret (Dan) Ozerkevich of Thunder Bay, Ont., Bob (Jan) Bosma of Fort Frances, Ont., and John (Debbie) Bosma of Emo, Ont.
Also surviving are 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Bosma of Emo, Ont.; one sister, Trudy (John) Vanderkuip of St. Catharines, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Klaas and Sjoukje Bosma; three brothers, Libbe, Matthew, and Robert; two sisters, Trienty and Betty; and granddaughter, Jennifer Carlson.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 5, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo. Pastor Andrew Hall officiated, with interment in Emo Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Ploegman, John Esselink, Charlie Byma, Peter Van Heyst, Bill Sieders, and Leo Boersma.
Honourary pallbearers were his grandsons, Chris, Nathan, Travis, Troy, Brock, Jayson, Kolby, Tim, Michael, and Mike.
In memoriam donations may be made to Christian Parents Association Ground Development Project, c/o Pat Giles, 211 Fourth St., Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0.