John “Jack” Jay Meeuwes, age 69 of White Cloud was taken home to be with the Lord on Monday November 2, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 10, 1957 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents were John Dell Meeuwes and Norma Jean (Boynton) Meeuwes.

Jack graduated from Comstock Park High School in 1976. He married his high school sweetheart Wendy Jo Lindquist on January 3, 1976 at Maranatha Bible Church, where they had attended youth group together. He and the love of his life celebrated 50 years of marriage this past year. After graduation he worked at Colonial Manufacturing making grandfather clocks. Jack and Wendy moved to White Cloud in 1979 where he became employed at Ferris State University in Big Rapids for 25 years.

Jack was a man whose life was rooted deeply in his faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a heart for people and a desire for everyone to know the saving grace, hope, and love found in Jesus.

Jack and Wendy also shared a special calling to open their hearts and home to children in need, serving as foster parents for 20 years. Their home became a place of love, compassion, and acceptance for many children. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but through the many lives he touched and the seeds of faith he planted along the way.

Jack enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. But his greatest joy was always being a family man. Jack also had a love for coaching baseball, where he had the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes of every age level for 15 years. To Jack, coaching was about much more than the game. It was an opportunity to teach teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance and hard work. He enjoyed encouraging young players, building their confidence and helping them grow both on and off the field. Just as in every other area of his life, Jack wanted to make a difference and be a positive influence. The lessons he shared and the lives he touched will be remembered long after the final inning.

Jack is survived by his wife Wendy; daughter Kerri Meeuwes, three sons John (Sarah) Meeuwes, Barnaby (Roxy) Meeuwes Johnson, Anthony (Angela) Meeuwes Johnson; ten grandchildren Jada (Nate) Robey, Sawyer (fiancé Cortney Myers), Selah, Tirzah, Noah, and Eleanora Meeuwes, Liam and Jayden Johnson, Romeo and Reece Johnson; four siblings Jim (Linda) Meeuwes, Harold (Laura) Meeuwes, Brenda (Duane) Dixon, Todd (Pattie) Meeuwes, many beloved nieces and nephews and foster daughter Annie Myers and family. He will be deeply missed until they meet again in Heaven. John 14:6

A celebration of Jack's life will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 408 W Bellevue St, Big Rapids, MI 49307 with Pastor Keith Richards officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will be provided after the service. Jack will be laid to rest at Highlandview Cemetery privately with family. Arrangements and care entrusted to the Daggett Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local youth athletic organization.