James R. VanDuzer

Jim and Ruth meant a great deal to me as a middle- and high-school at Aletheia Springs Christian Education Center in Virginia. Jim's gentle way of being strong in his faith and confidence in God's Word and his relationship with the Lord was something to which I aspired. His encouragement to me during the summer that I worked as a 15 year old who had never worked a job was a great balance to the requirements of the job. Jim had such a reverent way of talking to the Lord in public prayer that...

I met Mr. VanDuzer when he was the dedicated principal of Lehigh Valley Christian High School where my three children attended. My whole family always felt welcomed and loved by Mr. VanDuzer. Although we were one of the few Catholic families there, it didn’t matter. Mr. VanDuzer taught us that “we all meet at the foot of the cross.” He told me that he stepped down as principal to teach Bible again because he missed the kids. How typical. My children learned so much about loving the Lord and...

I think of him with gratitude when a scripture that he had assigned our class for memorization decades ago, will fill my heart like a treasure of truth and comfort when I’ve needed it most.

I remember Mr. Van Duzer as a very polite and gentlemanly Christian man. Heaven is richer for his ascendancy. My. Condolences to the family!

Uncle Jim and Aunt Ruthie were instrumental in my Christian walk. I went to youth group with them and received one of my first Bibles from them. I also remember wonderful holidays at Grandma Crane’s house. A memorable moment was a time we went sledding one winter. Uncle Jim was a go-getter when playing in the snow!!

"Keep the fire in the fireplace."

Rest in Paradise, Mr. VanDuzer.

Jonathan Rinehimer, LVCHS Class of 2003

Uncle Jim is a perfect example of a man after God’s own heart!! My childhood memories of his gentleness and faithfulness to God’s word are so clear! He pointed each of us to Christ any way he could! No conversation was wasted! He leaves a wonderful legacy to all of us, still on the journey! Upon his arrival in heaven, I imagine Uncle Jim to have quoted CS Lewis “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life” For those...

Mr. VanDuzer stood out to me as someone who was unashamed of Christ. His love for his Lord and Savior was truly evident. He was not only a hearer of the Word but also a doer, extending compassion to his students and training them in righteousness. I have Mr. VanDuzer to thank for making me hide Psalm 139 in my heart, a psalm I call to mind often.

Thank you Lord for Mr. VanDuzer. When I was at LCA, I remember wanting to be like Mr. VanDuzer when I grew up, especially as a follower of the Lord Jesus, as someone with kind, personal love for others, and one day as a godly family man. (Lord, I still have a long way to grow in following Jim's example of knowing and reflecting Christ Jesus.) May the Lord comfort the VanDuzer family with the blessed assurance that Mr. VanDuzer is with the Lord. Song of Solomon 6:3