Holwerda, Jim (2022)

Jim Holwerda is a 1974 graduate of GRCH who played three years of football, three years of varsity basketball, a year of JV baseball, and a year of track and field. Jim was the Eagle Award recipient his senior year in a class that was filled with many outstanding athletes.

On the football field, Jim was a tight end known for his work ethic and a pair of hands that caught everything within reach.  During his senior year he led the Eagles in receiving and was named to the All-City team.  He helped lead the Eagles to a 7-2 record while serving as a team captain.  

In basketball, Jim started every game all three years on the varsity team, first as a sophomore at Central Christian, then as a junior and senior at GRCH after Central and East Christian merged.  He led the Eagles to a 42-8 record his junior and senior years while making it to the State Quarterfinals both years.  Jim’s all-around game included scoring, rebounding, defending, and passing.  His calm steady influence was always apparent as he captained his squad.  Jim scored over 1,000 career points while twice earning All-City acclaim.  He was also named a Class A All-State Honorable Mention player his senior year.  Jim received the Dan Nameth Sportsmanship Award given by the West Michigan Officials Association for outstanding athletic accomplishment and sportsmanship.  In 1999 Jim was honored as one of the top 50 basketball players in the history of the Grand Rapids City League. 

Jim was highly respected by his opponents, officials, and both the East Christian and Central Christian communities. His quiet leadership helped unify and rally the two schools that combined in 1972.

Jim attended Hope College where he earned a degree in Education while excelling in two sports.  He played four years of football as that same sure-handed tight end he was in high school.  His senior year he served as a team captain and earned All-MIAA honors.  In basketball, Jim started every varsity game during his four-year career.  He scored over 1,100 career points (before there was a 3-point line), but it was his all-around unselfish play that made Jim successful.  He earned 2nd team All-MIAA his junior and senior years.

Jim’s favorite memories are of his teammates working hard together at practice and playing in exciting games.  He fondly recalls the honor of playing football for his dad, fellow Hall of Fame member, Bill (Moose) Holwerda, as well as playing basketball for fellow Hall of Fame member, Ken Zandee.  Learning great life lessons from these two coaches is something he will never forget.

Jim is retired.  He was an administrator and teacher at Rehoboth Christian School.  He and his wife, Sherry, live in Gallup, New Mexico.  They have four married children and eight grandchildren.

Jim’s Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary, 
they will walk and not be faint.