John Edward Buursma

John Edward Buursma, 70, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:30 P.M., Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 with Pastor Tom Bird officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M., Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation. Those wishing to share a memory of John online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com John was born August 23, 1951 in Owosso, MI to John & Evalyn (Durham) Buursma. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1969. John served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 until 1972. He then continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1977. On May 6, 1978 John married Kathy Birch in Milan, MI. John worked at Cook Nuclear Plant for over 40 years. He loved golfing and bowling, Thursday night martinis with his friends, traveling the country and the world with Kathy, and above all spending time with their children and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife Kathy Buursma; sons Joshua (Liz) Buursma and Patrick Buursma; daughter Jillian (Ashton) Carl; four grandchildren Eloise Carl, Zora Buursma, Magnolia Carl, and Samuel Edward Buursma; siblings Alan (Kristy) Buursma, Kay Morrow, Sue (John) Pickar and Patty (Eric) Morris; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, out-laws, friends and colleagues. John was preceded in death by his parents.