James A. Valenta

It is with deep sorrow and much love that our family shares with you the passing of James Arthur Valenta, of Selah, Washington, formerly of Greenville, Michigan, on September 1, 2021, at the age of 50 years old.

James was born to Matthew Valenta Jr. and Patricia (Burr) Popma on December 27, 1970, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  His father was in the United States Army, so James’ family moved several times before settling in Greenville, Michigan.  James graduated from Greenville High School in 1989, and then proudly served his country by joining the United States Army, where he fought in Desert Storm.

James married Nancy Hafner at St. John Lutheran Church in Ionia, Michigan on September 15, 1990.  His military service took them to Germany and South Carolina, before they returned to Michigan to attend college.  While in college, he continued to serve his country faithfully in the Army National Guard.  He attended and graduated from Eastern Michigan University and ITT Technical Institute.

James was proud of his many accomplishments, but his greatest pride was his three incredible children.  Joshua, Moriah, and Jessika were blessed to have a father who made it his priority to stay at home and care for them when they were young.  His children, along with his family and friends, will remember James as quiet, kind, and quirky.  He loved watching sports, and he was deeply passionate about music and concerts.

James is survived by Nancy Hafner Valenta and their three children Joshua, Moriah, and Jessika. He is also survived by his siblings Matthew Valenta IV of Lake Odessa, MI; Jeffrey (Margo)  Valenta of Belding, MI; Rebecca Valenta of Belding, MI; and Joseph Valenta of Greenville, MI.  His extended family includes Gordon and Elaine Hafner, Alan (Cindy) Hafner, and Tim (Rachel) Hafner. James is also survived by Uncle Arthur “ Butch ( Barbara) Burr of Allendale, Uncle Jerome Valenta of Greenville, Aunt Darlene ( Dave) Darling of Webster, FL. And several cousins.  Finally, he will be remembered by his many nieces and nephews, including Cami Valenta, Amanda (Tristan) Doty-Robinson, Abby Millering, Reece Slater, Tyson Adams, Heather (Robert) Phillips, Sarah (Adam) Ruiz and their three children, Michael Hafner, Benjamin Hafner, Josiah Hafner, and Balyn Hafner

He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew Valenta Jr. and Patricia Popma; his grandparents Arthur and Doris Burr, Matthew Valenta Sr. and Rosellen Chambers; Aunt Ann Lake ( Valenta), Cousin Tracey Valenta and cousin Charles “ Chucky” Darling and  his sister-in-law Beverly Adams.

A famous philosopher once said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”  As we gather together to share our love for James and to say our final goodbyes, we ask that you honor his love of music by wearing your favorite band or concert shirt. Memorial services will be 1:00 PM Saturday October 23, 2021, at Johnson Feuerstein Funeral Home Belding with Pastor Mike Simmons officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before the service. Full military honors will be given by the joint honor guard of the Belding American Legion and VFW. Memorial contributions may be given to the family. Inurnment will take place later at Rosedale Cemetery in Grand Rapids. To share a message of condolence for James, order flowers or light a candle in his memory, please visit the website of the funeral home, www.jffh.com 

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