Jim Abma, Sr.

James Alan Abma Sr., a third-generation farmer in Wyckoff, NJ, went home to be with his precious Savior and Lord on May 3, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on September 20, 1963, in Ridgewood, NJ, to James and Judy Abma (née Spoelstra), he grew up on the family farm with deep-rooted values of faith in God, hard work, and service to the community.

He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Pamela (née Westra); a beloved father to his children: James Alan Jr. and his wife Anna of Hillsborough, NJ; Joshua and his wife Valerie of Wyckoff, NJ; and Joy and her husband Daniel Charnesky of Franklin Lakes, NJ; and an amazing “Poppy” to his eight grandchildren: James Colton, Charlotte, Trace, Paisley, Carter, Reese, Tucker, and Sawyer, with one more on the way. He was the cherished son of James and Judy of Wyckoff, NJ; beloved brother to Beth and her husband Ralph Fylstra of Allendale, NJ; Jodie and her husband John Woudenberg of Whitinsville, MA; and Kimberly and her husband Rich Sytsema of Sussex, NJ; and a much-loved brother-in-law to Mary Westra, Michael and Sandra Westra, and John and Kristin Westra. He was a loved uncle and great-uncle to many nieces, nephews, and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Donald Sr. and Judy Westra, and his brother-in-law, Donald Westra Jr.

At a young age, Jim understood the calling of land stewardship that God had placed on his life. He graduated from Delaware Valley College in 1985, and, in that same year, married his high school sweetheart, Pamela. Throughout his career, Jim was known as an excellent grower, a thoughtful creator and designer, a skilled fixer, and a true problem solver. He approached life with determination and quiet ingenuity. Whether in the fields, the greenhouse, or tackling a new project, he took a great pride in building, growing, and improving everything around him.

In 1991, Jim received the NJ Outstanding Young Farmer Award; in 2024, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the NJ State Board of Agriculture. He was actively involved in several agricultural boards, including the Bergen County Board of Agriculture, NJ Farm Bureau, Bergen County Agricultural Development Board, and the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, contributing his knowledge, values, and passion to the farming community he so deeply cared for.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Jim was an active member of Cornerstone Christian Church. His faith guided the way he lived- serving others, supporting his community, and leading quietly with humility and strength.

When Jim wasn’t farming, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren in the Adirondacks fishing, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his creative spirit, his deep faith in the Lord, and his unwavering dedication to his family and the land. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

“Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Visiting hours are Sunday 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Cornerstone Christian Church, 495 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff, NJ.  Memorial Service is Monday 2:00pm at Cornerstone Church.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name may be given to Touch the World Ministries or Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey.

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