NEERHOF, James Edward Neerhof

He unexpectedly at Wiarton Hospital on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Jim Neerhof of Georgian Bluffs in his 63rd year. Beloved husband and love of his life Karen Neerhof (nee Haanstra) for almost 44 years (August 21). Loving father of Eric Neerhof (Blair) and Brian Neerhof (Jennifer). Much loved Opa of Joey, Laker, Phoenix, and Simon. Cherished son of Audrey Neerhof of Owen Sound. Dear brother of Al (Michelle), Dave (Karin), Gerry (Stacey) and June, and brother-in-law of Janny Montgomery, Bill Haanstra (Gail), Liz VanderDoes (Kees), and Robert Haanstra (Brenda). Missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends. Fondly remembered by best friends Jamie Simkins and Brent Courtney. Predeceased by father John Neerhof and brothers-in-law Henry Haanstra and Al Montgomery.

James Edward Neerhof was a dedicated family man whose faith, kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. He found great joy in the outdoors, woodworking, sailing and music, playing both violin and bass guitar. As an active member of both the church and community, Jim faithfully served on the praise team at Hepworth Baptist Church and the First Christian Reformed Church. He also played in the band Cool Heat for a few years with his buddy Jamie and a few others. He was always willing to lend a hand. He started his career as a licensed carpenter, which he did off and on throughout the years, then went onto to drive tractor trailer across Canada and the United States and finally onto his own tree removal company. The wheels were always turning for Jim. If you needed something fixed or built or help with something, he always gave more than one suggestion on how to make it work and those suggestions were usually right what was needed. You always knew that Jim could fix it! His sense of humour has entertained everyone since he was little. From standing on his head in the hallway at anniversaries with his brother Hose. His sense of adventure brought him across Canada and the US while trucking and learning to sail with the love of his life Karen from Wiarton to Owen Sound, Parry Sound and the North Channel. He learned how to make maple syrup, starting with a small pan on the wood stove behind the shop to an evaporator in the sugar shack. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

Family and friends are invited to share memories at DOWNS AND SON FUNERAL HOME, Hepworth, on Wednesday, July 22nd from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at the First Christian Reformed Church, 201 4th Avenue West, Owen Sound, on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Interment Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Georgian Bluffs. Expressions of remembrance to the Hepworth Baptist Church or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through www.downsandsonfuneralhome.com