Jim Dotinga
Jim Dotinga
Jim (Jimte) James Wallace Dotinga passed away at home with his wife at his side Saturday Nov. 20 to be with his Lord and Savior.
Jim was born on Nov. 12, 1939, in Sneek, Friesland, the Netherlands. He was the youngest of 17 children born to Willem and Baukje Dotinga. He moved to the USA when he was 19 where he lived in California and Mt. Vernon, Washington and worked as a farmer in Custer.
Jim finally settled in Bellingham where he first worked as a real estate agent and taxi driver, then bought and managed up to 35 apartments.
Jim met Anita (Lu) DeGroot and they married on Sept. 29, 2001 and moved to “The Beach House” at Sandy Point where they lived for over 20 years. People helped him when he moved to the US and he re-paid this in kind by helping many others, often quietly and without reward.
Jim was a storyteller and he loved to sing and was a member of Barber Shop Quartets, The Blend and Mt. Baker Toppers for many years. Many people remember him as “the guy with the wooden shoes.”
After retiring and selling most of the apartments, he still loved working, advising, and managing the children’s properties, spending time with his extensive family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Willem and Baukje; sisters Hinke Ypma, Janke Gerritsen, Betsy Vos and Baukje Bergsma and brothers Thomas, John, Jelle, Ype, Brand, and Melle.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lu; his children Bill (Carla), Kathy and Brenda Dotinga and Jenny Dykema the mother of his children; grandchildren Michael and Alicia Dotinga, Kasia Green, Anneka, Liam and Elliot Bracken; great-grandchildren Madison and Colby Green; his children through marriage Kacee McVickers Andy (Rachel) Swendt; grandchildren Kelcee and Carter Kohl, Emma and Iyla McVickers, Zabrina, Austen, and Santana and Noah Swendt; and great-grandchildren Hunter and Violet Spencer, Oliver and Nova Lee Swendt; his brother Wietse and sisters Akke Slump, Tine Maring, Jeltsje Hofstra, Reinskje, and Seits DeVries and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, Nov. 30 at Greenacres Cemetery in Ferndale. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. at Cornerstone Church 5732 Olson Road, Ferndale with Pastor Chris Leingang officiating.
Family suggests memorials be made to the Ferndale Lions Club. Please share your thoughts and memories of Jim online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
