James Robert Kok

James Robert "Jim" Kok went to his Heavenly Home on February 17, 2026, at age 90. Jim was a beloved husband, father to four, grandfather to nine, as well as a beloved pastor. He was a friend to everyone he knew, and "never met a stranger." A graduate of Calvin College, Michigan State University, and Calvin Seminary, his work included a pastorate in lowa City, lowa, Pine Rest Christian Psychiatric Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, and Crystal Cathedral of Garden Grove, CA. He was the founder of annual international care & kindness conference at the crystal cathedral for a decade” (see peoplekindness.com). A prolific writer, he wrote seven books, as well as writing a column for the Banner for many years. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Julia Anderson (daughters Meg and Larkin), Andrew Kok, wife Carol (children Jonah, Silas, Katie, Kora), John (aka Phil) Kok, Steven Kok, wife Kris (children Simon, Alice, Reuben); sisters Kay (Barry) Bosscher and Karen Timmer; brothers Bruce (Anne) Timmer, Gary (Shirley) Kok, and Doug Timmer. He is in heaven with his parents and siblings Woody, Marv, Faith and Mary. Jim would be tickled if you commit a simple act of kindness in his memory, for Jesus' sake.