James "Jim" M. Vercruysse

James "Jim" M. Vercruysse, age 80, of Maple Valley passed away on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on November 9, 1937 in Lansing, Michigan to Rudolph and Marvel (Shappell) Vercruysse. He served in the US Army. Jim married Jayne A. (Caster) Henning. He was an entrepreneur owning several businesses; he owned and operated the Maple Valley Restaurant from 1986-1999, he formerly owned Beck Brothers Sporting Goods in Lansing, the Crescent Motel in East Tawas and LJ's Kilkare of Houghton Lake, he presently owned the Northern Michigan Tabacco, Piper's Pub of Gladwin and Bear Advertising. He worked for the East Michigan Tourist Association where he promoted hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan, was a member of the Hiawatha Sportman's Club since 1973 and a lifetime member of the NRA. He enjoyed the outdoors and his annual trips that he would take with his wife Jayne to Wyoming and Montana for hunting and fly fishing, he enjoyed horse back riding and also enjoyed skeet and trap shooting.   

Jim is survived by his sons; Scott (Bethany) Vercruysse of Houghton Lake and Lauren (Janice) Vercruysse of Houghton Lake, step-children; Teri (Wes) Kelley of Grand Rapids, Lisa Maloney of Tawas, Trishanne (Tom) Winchel of Battle Creek, Roddy Henning of Gladwin, step-daughter-in-law; Lisa Henning of South Haven, granddaughters; Sara Vercruysse and Bethany (Walker) Evans and several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Jayne A. Vercruysse, step-son; Chucky Henning and brother; Phillip Vercruysse. 

Funeral Services for James M. Vercruysse will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Sunday September 23, 2018 from Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel. Interment will be in Maple Valley Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Sunday September 23, 2018 from 11:00 am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of James are asked to be directed to ARK Association to Rescue Kritters. Christler Funeral Home- Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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