All Obituaries

John Jay Tripp, age 81, passed peacefully in his sleep to be with his Lord and Savior on February 21, 2025, at his winter home in Port Aransas, TX.

John will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Kathleen (Griffeth) Tripp; children: Christy (Tim Arkema) Tripp-Arkema of Grandville, MI; Brad (Emily) Tripp of Falmouth, MI, and Jeff (Amanda) Tripp of Holland, MI; grandchildren: Logan Arkema of Washington, D.C., Astrid/Eviana Arkema of Grandville, MI, and Benjamin, Grant, Silas, Gibson, and Simeon Tripp of Falmouth, MI; sister: Nelva (Tom) Wiersema of Byron Center, MI; brother-in-law: Howard (Von) Driesenga of Zeeland, MI; brother-in-law: Paul (Michele) Griffeth of Spring Hill, TN: sister-in-law: Carol (Griffeth) Westmaas of Apache Junction, AZ, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents: John H. Tripp and Evelyn (Brink) Tripp; sister: Ellen (Tripp) Driesenga; and in-laws: Arthur C. Griffeth and Anne (Schneider) Griffeth.

John graduated from Holland Christian High School, Holland, MI and received his Bachelors from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI. His teaching career started at Davison High School and he retired from Grand Haven High School.

This amazing man was a true lover of life, nature, and faith. John's love for the outdoors was unmatched. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, rod building, woodworking, gardening, tending his dahlias and mentoring others in those areas. Whether it was planting gardens, working on deer blinds, or teaching his children and grandchildren how to hunt and fish, John was always in his element when he was outside. His dedication to his land, his family, and his community shaped his life, especially in the years after he and his wife moved permanently to "The Cabin" in McBain, Michigan. The hunting land became his sanctuary—a place where he found joy and peace in every season.

John’s zest for life extended beyond the outdoors. He was an incredible storyteller, sharing the same jokes and stories over and over and over again with anyone who would listen.

A man of deep faith, John was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and church member, serving as both elder and deacon, with a passion for the youth ministries. He and Kathy raised their children in Grand Haven, MI, where John taught high school business and marketing and was a realtor on the side. His faithfulness was evident in every aspect of his life. He taught his children the meaning of hard work, the importance of giving, and the value of always staying true to your word. Most importantly, he taught them the power of faith and love.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for John on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Vogel Center Christian Reformed Church at 1789 E. Stoney Corner Rd., McBain, MI. The family will be available to visit with friends and loved ones one hour before the service. A luncheon will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in John’s memory to the UofM Rogel Bladder Cancer Center or Vogel Center Christian Reformed Church (memo: Youth Ministry)