James Verver known by name to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and surrounded by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and grand-children, Jim entered heaven on December 3, 2011.

Jim was born in Ripon to William and Grace Verver, and lived in Ripon all his life.  He was a farmer, and also worked for tractor companies in Modesto and Turlock, delivering tractors.  He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, where he served as elder and deacon. He also served on the Board of Directors of Ripon Christian Schools and Bethany Home of Ripon, and served as a volunteer at Doctors Medical Center for many years.  He proudly served his country during WW II in the U.S. Navy.   He was a humble man of strong faith who loved God, his family and his church.  He loved gardening, traveling, and spending time with his family.  He was known for his love of children, his quick wit, and his love of practical jokes.  He spent his retirement years gardening and helping others.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cornelia Verver, his five daughters  and sons-in-law, Lynette and Bill Marble, Charlotte and Joe Holland, Judy and Dennis Vander Plaats, Lori and Bob Van Nieuwenhuyzen, Valerie and Manuel Tavares,  13 beloved grandchildren, 16 adored great-grandchildren, his sister, Alberdina Alberdi his brother Gerrit Verver, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Luke Barnes.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, December 8, at Deegan Chapel, 111 Palm Avenue, Ripon.   Burial will be private. A celebration of Jim's life and faith will be held on Friday, December 9, 11:00 AM, at the First Christian Reformed Church, 305 Boesch Dr., Ripon.

Memorial contributions may be given to Ripon Christian Schools, 435 Maple Ave., Ripon, CA 95366 or Bethany Home, 930 W. Main St. Ripon, CA 95366, or a charity of your choice.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, December 6, 2011