John Mark Brillhart Jr.
July 26, 1947 - January 5, 2013

John Mark Brillhart Jr., aged 65, of Kentwood, went to be with his heavenly Lord and Savior on Jan. 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan Irene Brillhart and their four children: David and Amy Brillhart with grandchildren Mallory and Rachel; Wendy and Tim Wells with grandchildren Ashley, Katie and Gracie; Curt and Ann Wylie with grandchildren Justin and Kassie; Wade Wylie with grandchildren Dylan and Evan. He is also survived by sisters Susan Carol Brillhart; and Cheryl and David Prindle and many other loving family members and friends.

John was born in Battle Creek, MI in 1947 to John and Dorris Brillhart. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University where he received his Masters in Theology. At Wheaton College he received his teaching credentials. He also earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University.

Early in his working career he was an Associate Pastor at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene. At Kentwood Public Schools, he influenced many lives as a teacher and then administrator. His love for history led to his development of the East Coast Trip, on which many Kentwood students have traveled. He most recently was an administrator for National Heritage Academies. He had a passion for serving through missions, which included work in Trinidad, Guatemala, Peru, Antigua, Uganda and Kenya.

John’s most cherished moments were with his grandchildren. He loved them deeply and invested his time into their lives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, 11:00 am at Grand Rapids International Fellowship (3765 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, 49548) with Rev. Joe Knight officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, 49546) Friday from 3-5 & 7-9 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Nazarene World Missions (www.nazareneworldmission.org).

Thanks to Don Keathley (John's cousin) and Jack Hubbard for memorial contributions.