Edward J. Jousma, age 90, of Holland, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Ed was born on March 19, 1936, to John and Marie Jousma in Holland Michigan. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1954 and went to work for his father at Main Auto Supply. He married Maxine Stephenson in 1962 and they had two children, David and Lynn.
Ed had a passion for outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, boating, waterskiing, cross-country skiing and especially downhill skiing. He also obtained his private pilot’s license and flew a Piper Cherokee as a member of the Holland Flying Club.
Ed was the owner of Main Sport and Marine and the Shuss-In Ski Shop in downtown Holland for over 50 years. He purchased the business with his brother Melvin in 1958 from their father, and soon began adding recreational boating and fishing products. The Shuss-In Ski Shop opened in 1960 with clothing and ski equipment for “the particular skier.” From 1970 to 1988, they also operated a separate boat sales and service location as well. In 1982, Ed became the sole owner and in 1988 the store began focusing more on the sportswear clothing market.
The Shuss-In Ski Shop became the hub for a community of skiing enthusiasts with its sponsored bus trips to Michigan ski resorts, ski fashion shows for all the latest in ski gear, and annual Colorado ski trips. Even with the closing of the downtown shops in 2009, Ed continued to operate the Shuss-In Ski Shop until 2026 in another location.
Ed was a strong advocate for downtown businesses and served many years on the Main Street Downtown Development Authority board.
Ed and Maxine intentionally developed their family’s life-long love for the outdoors with Sunday afternoon hikes and picnics, camping trips, road trips to Colorado with stays in an old mountain cabin, an appreciation for the history and beauty of America, and of course, downhill skiing! Ed’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were his greatest joy and he made sure they had plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting and skiing as well.
Ed lived out his faith with a commitment to integrity, generosity, keeping his word and lending a helping hand when he saw the need. He was known to take neighborhood kids fishing who might not otherwise get a chance and always had a big heart for the underdog. He had many cherished life-long friendships who shared his love for fishing, boating and skiing.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Jousma; and siblings, Melvin Jousma, Ronald Jousma, Lois De Vries, and Leon Jousma.
Ed is survived by his:
Wife of 64 years, Maxine Jousma
Children
David (Melisa) Jousma
Lynn (Joel) Schumacher
Grandchildren
Brittany (Curt) Mann
Taylor (Daniel Quesada Mora) Quesada Jousma
Abigail (Cameron) Nally
Luke (Laura) Schumacher
Peter Schumacher
9 Great Grandchildren
Siblings
Rose Mannes
Phyllis (Scott) Reyburn
Irwin (Karena) Jousma
Patricia (Daniel) Vos
In-Laws
Donna Jousma
Susan Jousma
Visitation is planned for 4:00-6:00pm Thursday, October 15, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Christian Schools.
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