James Van Zandt

So sorry for your loss. Jim touched many lives. He will be missed.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Coach Van Zandt. He was the coach of the 1971 State Class C Tennis Champions. Which is the 8th team to win the Class C State Championships at G-A H.S. With that said he was a member of the 2017 G-A Athletic Hall of Fame Class which I am a member of. He was a great teacher, principal, father, brother, son. He will be missed by those who knew him, but he will never be forgotten in the G-A Community Schools system. May you find relief in reading...

It is so hard to sum up what Jim meant to me and my life in a short little blurb. But reflecting back, I think the most important lesson was that it is ok to act 7 years old sometimes and enjoy life to the fullest while laughing! In the years I spent coaching with Jim, I learned so much about coaching, parenting, and caring for others. Jim was an amazing teacher beyond his years in schools. My dear friend, teacher, extra parent, you will be greatly missed. I will hold you in my heart. ...

You sure will be missed Jim. I am sad that our time was short but I am so thankful I was able to care for you and get to know you! Thanks for all the laughs and the stories. We built a friendship in a short amount of time but the time to me was precious! I am SO glad I was able to share all of my great news with you, to keep your spirits high and to keep you smiling when you were feeling down!

Sure will miss you but I know youre happy and healthy! Until we meet again my friend! ❤ ...

In life, we are blessed at times to meet living angels. Coach Van Zandt was one of those people in my life . With his passing , wanted to share our story and what made him special to me.

Senior year of High school I was blessed to be offered a full ride scholarship for tennis. I narrowed it down to the two Michigan schools, Wayne State University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. While my Tennis game was strong , emotionally & physically I was battling thru adversity not many...

Jim was my boss at GA High School in the 1970's. He treated everyone with a welcoming smile, encouragement and a genuine concern for students/staff. Jim lived a life of helping and motivating others to be the best possible. He leaves a legacy for others to follow.