James W. Trent

James William Trent

January 15, 1941 – June 28, 2026

James William Trent, 85, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. 

He was born on January 15, 1941, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Russell Willard Trent and Edith Keathley Trent. From an early age, Jim was known for his warmth, quick wit, curiosity about people, and his remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. 

As a boy, Jim traveled throughout the region performing in a gospel duo with his sister, Marilyn. The two became quite popular, sharing their music with many churches until Jim’s tenor voice changed and his time in the choir came to an unexpected end. He then helped his family by working a paper route, learning the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age.

One of Jim's favorite childhood stories involved his dog, Teddy, who followed him to school every day. One day, Jim snuck Teddy into the classroom, quickly settling him under the desk where he napped at Jim’s feet. 

Jim attended Battle Creek Central High School, where he was the president of the Future Business Leaders of America and a competitive member of the swim team. As a teenager, Jim developed a talent and passion for playing pool, a hobby that he loved for the rest of his life. Spending countless hours in local pool halls, Jim sharpened his skills, earning him a reputation as a formidable opponent. 

After high school, Jim went on to Western Michigan University to study business. A weekend trip home ended up changing everything. While he was in town with his mother and grandmother Keathley, they walked past a store window displaying the 1961 Battle Creek Central homecoming court portraits. His grandmother pointed out Carole Lee Misner’s photo, saying she looked like a nice girl and suggested he take her on a date. Sporting a black and swollen eye after a fist fight, Jim took this advice to heart and found Carole in the Battle Creek Library. Despite the black eye, Carole gave him her phone number and agreed to a date, beginning a 65-year love story filled with laughter and adventure. 

Jim and Carole were married on September 2, 1961, and made their first home in Three Rivers, Michigan. After a few moves, they eventually settled in Rockford, Michigan, where they raised their four daughters. Jim’s foundational faith in Jesus grew within the church, which became an important part of family life.  It provided a community where they made lifelong friendships and established values, which guided Jim throughout his life. 

As a father, Jim taught his daughters the importance of family bonds, and one of his favorite traditions was the annual Memorial Day Keathley family reunion. It was a day to connect generations for games, tractor rides, a potluck picnic, and homemade popsicles. When the chicken, cooked by the great-uncles over large, open grills was finally ready, the family joined hands in a circle, counted off one by one to see how many family members had gathered together, and to bless the food. The ritual reminded Jim of his Grandma Keathley and one of her favorite hymns, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” 

Jim taught all four of his daughters how to play tennis, sharing not only a skill but also his love of being active while spending time together.  Jim was also known for organizing neighborhood kickball games, turning ordinary summer evenings into fun memories for the neighborhood kids. 

Throughout his career, Jim’s greatest strength was not just sales—it was his ability to build relationships. He began his career at Rocky River Paper Company as an outside salesperson. Later, he began Trent Graphics and received the Dexter Lock award. In 1976, he and his business partner started Howard City Paper Company, a manufacturing plant that supplied packaging materials to the paper industry. After selling the business in 1989, Jim shifted his focus to recycling and started Montcalm Fiber Corporation. In 1993, the State of Michigan recognized Montcalm Fibre Corporation for environmental excellence, for which Jim proudly accepted the White Pine Award. 

After their daughters were grown, Jim and Carole moved to Idlewood Beach in Holland, Michigan, where they spent countless hours with their family on the beach. It was here that Jim played golf with a close-knit group of friends, where the time spent together mattered as much as the game itself. 

In the early 2000’s, they returned to their hometown of Battle Creek, where they enjoyed 16 years living on Graham Lake. During this time, they also shared a love of travel, exploring many places around the world including: Europe, Israel, Russia, the Baltics, Alaska, and Hawaii.

To be closer to family, Jim and Carole returned to Holland, Michigan in September of 2022.  They began the last chapter of life together at Rest Haven’s River Place where they found yet a new and welcoming community. Jim especially enjoyed attending the men’s Bible study, Happy Hours on Fridays, and Chili Cook-Offs, winning a 1st place award. 

Jim often referred to his apartment as, “The Watering Hole,” because his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always dropping by to visit, reminisce over a glass of wine, care for his plants, or to watch the Tulip Time parade from his balcony.  

Jim also rediscovered his love of pool and spent his afternoons playing the game at Evergreen Commons. More than winning a big match, he valued the conversations and new friendships that came with it. 

Near the end of his life, he still enjoyed going to the Windmill Restaurant for one of their famous, giant, cinnamon rolls.  He became such a familiar face that while in hospice care, some of the wait staff surprised him with one last cinnamon roll.

There is no greater testament to his life than the family he and Carole built together. Jim often said his daughters were his true legacy and proudly referred to them as, “The Sisterhood.” He was a beloved grandfather who created legendary memories with his grandchildren—through Pokémon card trades that always seemed to benefit the kids, root beer floats at sleepovers, “Hulk juice” made just for them, Mexican dominoes long past bedtime, his famous “nose stealing,” watching “Show Boat” on repeat, Graham Lake boat rides, and listening to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. At 85, he still challenged his grandsons to arm wrestle, usually winning.  

He was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy and knew him as, “Great Papa.”

Jim’s life was defined by his family, love, friendship, sense of humor, and the ability to make people feel seen, accepted, and welcomed. Jim spent his life following his mother's advice: make a new friend wherever you are, and bloom where you are planted. He did both until the very end. Even in his final chapter, he found friendship, laughter, and reasons to be grateful. 

Jim leaves behind countless people who are grateful to have known him, and he will be deeply missed and remembered with love.

Jim was preceded in death by Russell Trent, Edith Trent, and Marilyn Smith. He will be remembered and greatly missed by his family: He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole Trent, his four daughters and sons in law; Deborah and Lee Fisher, Amy and Tim White, Nancy and Tom Stryker, Anne and Bob Stuart; his grandchildren and their families; Erin Fisher, Jacqueline and Harold Emelander; Audrey, Kevin, Remi and Josie VanDokkumburg; Marie, Josh and Natalee Snyder;  Alyssa and Addy White; Dr. Emma Westra, Robert, Jonah, and Lucy Westra; Eleanor and Derek Austin; Ben Stryker and Dr. Marissa Solorzano; Jake Stryker and Ximena Figueroa-Enriquez, Paul Stryker and Chelsea Farley; Max and Mari Stuart; Tate Stuart, Greer and Levi Villerius; Eric, Everett, and Easton Florence; Matt Mahaydik, and three new great grandchildren still on the way. 

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, the family will celebrate his life on July 15, 2026, at Boatwerks in Holland, Michigan. Visitation from 3-4 pm; Celebration of Life at 4:00 pm; followed by a time of light bites and fellowship until 7:00 p.m. It’s meant to be exactly what Jim would have wanted—family, friends, stories, laughter, and time together.

Memorial contributions can be made to Resthaven Care Center, where Carole Trent is lovingly cared for.

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