James H. Hettinger

James H. Hettinger, Sr. was called to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 18, 2023. Jim was born in Kalamazoo on April 30, 1933, to Joseph and Gladys (Boucher) Hettinger. Jim attended Lincoln School and held several jobs including working for the Gibson Guitar Company, Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company (KVP), and ended his work career in 1995 after 40 years of service at Kalamazoo Catering & Vending Company, working primarily out of The Upjohn Company, where he was affectionately known as "The Candy Man."

On June 17, 1952, Jim married the love of his life, Dorothy (Kline) Hettinger, who preceded him in death in January 2022. They were married for 69 years and enjoyed spending their summers at Gun Lake. People who knew Jim knew of his love for Gun Lake and heard many fish stories! Win or lose, Jim always rooted for the Detroit Tigers. Jim was a member of Hope Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, and he also enjoyed worshipping at Gun Lake Chapel during the summer months.

A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jim enjoyed spending time with his children, Terri (Steven) De Vries of Kalamazoo, and James Hettinger, Jr., of Richland; grandchildren, Erika (Bryan) Kiel and Matthew (Kalista) De Vries; and his great-grandchildren, Kayla, Emily, and Jackson Kiel, and Giuliana and Kina De Vries, and he looked forward to the arrival of Baby De Vries due in March. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronald (Jeanette) Hettinger, and sister-in-law Barbara (Donald) Tunis.

The family acknowledges and gives a special thank you for the love shown and care given to Jim by the staff at Park Village Pines (Oakview Terrace), where he has resided for the past year-and-a-half; as well as for the wonderful care and concern given to Jim while he was in Rose Arbor.

Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 622 S Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A private, immediate family interment will be held at Grand Prairie Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Sanders officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Reformed Heritage Christian School's General Fund or Hope Reformed Church. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.langelands.com