[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 193 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING MR. JAMES ``JIM'' HAROLD RABBERS

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                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 2021

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. 
James ``Jim'' Harold Rabbers of Stevensville, Michigan who passed away 
on October 11, 2021.
  Jim was a true Michigander through and through. He was a loving 
husband, and caring father and friend to all. Born and raised in 
Southwest Michigan, he attended Lakeshore High School and went on to 
attend Western Michigan University. After college, Jim went on to sell 
insurance and build warm relationships throughout the Stevensville 
community. He was a fan of all sports and had a special place in his 
heart for the Wolverines. He could talk sports all day long, but his 
real gift was forming friendships that stood the test of time.
  Jim participated in sports throughout high school and played and 
officiated intramural sports in college. He even met the love of his 
life, Mary, playing softball and volleyball at St. Paul Lutheran 
Church. Mary had just come into town as a new teacher at a local 
school. The pair quickly bonded over their love of sports and 
competitive spirits and married in the summer of 1986. They became 
parents to four wonderful children: Derek Rabbers (Claire), Chelsea 
Rabbers, Megan Spaude (Jason), and Travis Rabbers. Jim and Mary have 
been blessed with three grandchildren: Wesley, Jay and Samuel Rabbers.
  Jim is survived by his wife, four children, daughter and son-in-law, 
three grandchildren, his brothers: Thom (Rhonda) Rabbers and Dan 
(Diana) Rabbers, his sisters: Susan (Robert) Vandervleit and Jodi 
Rabbers, as well as a number of extended family members.

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