James "Jim" VAN VALKENBURG

"Jim Van" was his name in our home, never called him Mr. or Jim or never used his full last name...Jim Van. What a gracious and kind man he was to me and my whole family. All my life he acknowledged me with a smile, a chuckle that made his belly wiggle, and a word of encouragement. I trusted him and knew I could count on him for anything. Priceless. And so important for a child. Thank you jim Van

Jim Van....always a gentleman. He always made people feel important. Always cared, always helped, was always gracious. I loved him like a second dad. Many many fun memories

Jim Van, is how I knew him! One of a few best friends of Mom and Dad. ❤ Jim always had a wise smile on his face☺ He had a warm and sincere greeting and true caring for all, me. He was the quintessential gentleman. Respect is his middle name. A gentle giant of a man. Big, powerful, very good at all he did....yet humble, soft and quiet in his approach. I always felt safe with him. Like a second Dad, I knew I could go to him for help. He was part of the village that raised me and to whom I...

My sincere condolences to all the Van Valkenburg family and friends. I deeply regret my inability to attend the funeral. I wish you all comfort in this time of mourning. He is now in the comfort of our Lord, and with the loving spirit of those whom have gone before.
"Mr. Van", as I addressed him, walked quietly, yet commanded great presence and respect. His legacy lives on.
It was on a canoe trip to the Gunflint trail back in the 60's with the fathers and sons of four families. A trip...

Jim, Mr.Van Valkenberg, will be missed. I can't think of a gentler soul than he. Friends of Mom and Dad since before I was born... the Vans were so much a part of our lives. Such fond memories of multi family vacations and gatherings in backyards.... and gratitude for Jim's loving, protective self in throwing me over his shoulder to carry me into the ER to have my foot stitched up as I was crying my head off at age 10 or so. We were headed for International Falls. Jim stayed at my...

“Governor”,
Thank you so much for being my grandpa next door. I will always remember your kind and thoughtful nature. What a fantastic birthday present to walk off the school bus and see that you had removed your old (crooked) basketball hoop and were assembling a new one for me to use. You probably regretted this decision as soon as the ball began to bounce for hours upon hours every single night. When it started to get dark, what did you do? In typical Mr. Van fashion, you turned on...

In life, I know people come and then they go. I have said goodbye to a number of people, but other than family none have hit me the hardest as losing my buddy and next door neighbor Jim. He was a man who did so much for so many and never asked for anything in return.
I have known Jim for 30 years, but I don't know half the things he has done for the community. He just went about his business quietly and got stuff done, never drawing attention to himself.
There were times when I needed...

Sincere condolences to the Van V family.
Ardys Van V, Palm Desert, CA

We're thinking of you all. Hugs to John and Tammy and family, with love from Wally and Deborah Hilke