Jim Versluys, who served for 33 years as pastor to several Christian Reformed congregations, died May 15.
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., Versluys graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, Calvin College, Calvin Seminary and Denver Seminary. After ordination in 1957, he served the following churches: Cascades Fellowship CRC, Jackson, Mich.; Crossroads Fellowship CRC, West Des Moines, Iowa; White Lane Bible Way, Bakersfield, Calif.; Trinity, Denver, Colo.; University Church, Mount Pleasant, Mich.; and West Olive (Mich.) CRC. He excelled in one-on-one ministry such as discipling, evangelism, and demonstrating compassion.
Versluys was a serious, hard-working pastor, but when he got in the car with his family and the camping trailer behind, he was full of wit and laughter. He was energized by several weeks in God’s creation every summer. He and his wife spent many summers pursuing their love of travel and camping, visiting all 50 states.
After retirement in 1996, Versluys continued to serve by volunteering at Harderwyk Ministries in Holland, Mich. He loved studying and discussing the Bible; playing games and sharing his strategy; and taking photographs, followed by family time flipping through slides.
Versluys was predeceased in 2015 by Mathilda (Mae), his wife and “partner in ministry” for 60 years. He is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
