Obituary of James W. Pruiksma

Ecc 3:20 – “From dust to dust…..” James Walter Pruiksma of Greenwich passed away Wednesday (11/28/12), greeted into the Kingdom by his Savior Christ Jesus and the open arms of his immediate family who predeceased him; wives Marjorie (Dixon), Alice (Muth), Esther (Waters) and son Robert. He was 99 years Old. Gen 2:23 – “Bone of my bone…..” Born June 10, 1913 in Clifton, NJ, he was the first male child born on America to Dutch immigrant grandparents; Jetze Watze and Hermina (Ykema) Pruiksma and parents, Walter J. and Hester (Klapmust) Pruiksma. His lone sibling, Althea (Van der Hay) predeceased him. He is survived by daughters; Marjorie (Dr. Lee Henrich), Jamie (Dr. Evalt Ayerdi), Janet (Michael Ferry), Susan (John Bernston), Tricia (Ross D’Elia) and sons; James (Marie Ann Smelik) and Thomas (Sherry Boynton). From his heavenly rest he can continue to pray for his 26 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. Pr 22:6 – “Train up a child…..” He was raised in a staunch Dutch Reform family. He attended the Dutch speaking Northside Christian Church, then Prospect Christian Reformed Church. He received his elementary education from Pine Street Christian School and graduated from Clifton High. Holy Scripture discussions around the Sunday table with his grandfather, father and five uncles solidified his love of the Word. He later joined St. Peters Episcopal Church in Clifton. He loved music, loved to sing and loved sharing the Good News. Gen 3:19 – “by the sweat of your brow…..” Providing for his family required James to work days and attend Newark College of Engineering at night. Upon receiving his mechanical engineering degree, he worked in various capacities at Howe Richardson Scale Co. in Clifton for 32 years; culminating in managing both the Clifton and Rutland, VT plants. In 1967 the family moved from NJ to his Easton, NY farm. He worked as a design engineer at Sherwood Medical in Argyle, NY until at age 75 he retired. He continued his Christian walk at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenwich. Mt. 25:21 – “Well done good and faithful servant.” We give thanks for James’ life as a loving family man, friend and neighbor. Life celebrating offerings may be sent to the James W. Pruiksma Memorial Music Fund, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 143 Main St., P.O. Box 183, Greenwich, New York 12834 and/or Washington County Hospice, 415 Lower Main St., Hudson Falls, New York 12839. “Jesus’ peace be with you”. Arrangements provided by Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St., Greenwich, NY 12834.