"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted."
— Matthew 5:4
Remembering
James R. "Jim" Kok
(1935–2026)✝️🙏♥️💐
James R. Kok, affectionately known as Jim, passed peacefully on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith,l ✝️ family, and a lifelong dedication to Christian kindness.♥️
Born on March 29, 1935, in Hills, Minnesota, Jim was the second of five children: Sherwood, Jim, Faith, Kay, and Gary. As an infant, he moved with his parents, Gareth and Catherine, to Bellflower, California, where his father founded Valley Christian School and served as pastor of a Christian Reformed Church. The household was steeped in faith, learning, and service, shaping the values that would guide Jim's life.
The family later relocated to Holland, Michigan, where Jim attended Holland Christian Junior High & High School. Tragedy struck during his teenage years when his mother, Catherine, passed away just as Jim was in or approaching college, leaving a profound mark on him and influencing the depth of compassion and understanding & importance of grieving he would later bring to his ministry.
During this time, basketball 🏀 became both a passion & a source of friendship and community, as he played alongside his lifelong friend Tony Diekema &
later Don Vroon as well, among others, continuing together at Calvin College & winning multiple MIAA championships. His 6'6" size was also advantageous.
Answering God's call to ministry, Jim studied at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia & Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, becoming an ordained pastor in the Christian Reformed Church.
His pastoral care included internships at the University of Michigan & a psychiatric hospital in Gowanda, New York, and he went on to become a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) supervisor, mentoring generations in spiritual care, grief support, and compassionate counseling.
During seminary, Jim met his beloved wife, Linda Peters, daughter of Leo Peters of Butterball Farms. Together they raised four children—a daughter and three sons—across New York, Michigan, Iowa, and California, and were blessed with many grandchildren who continue to carry forward his legacy of faith and kindness.
Jim's ministry spanned decades: serving as pastor in Iowa City starting in 1965, 14 years as CPE supervisor at Pine Rest Hospital in Grand Rapids, and many years as Director of Pastoral Care at the Crystal Cathedral in California.
He authored several books mostly devoted to the topic of Christian kindness, contributed a weekly column to The Banner, and for many years led the annual Kindness Conference at the Crystal Cathedral, inspiring countless attendees to embrace Christian compassion in both words and actions.
Even in retirement, Jim remained deeply faithful, mentoring, counseling, and supporting family, friends, and his community. The timing of his passing on Random Acts of Kindness Day (2.17.26) poignantly mirrors the heart ❤️ of his lifelong mission: to model & promote Christ-centered kindness and care for all.
Jim Kok will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, loyal friend, mentor, & servant of Christ. His life stands as a testament to faith,
resilience through grief, & a steadfast commitment to loving & serving others.
Rest in peace, Jim. Your faith, kindness, and legacy will continue to bless the lives of many. ♥️🙏✝️
