Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
James VanKeuren Obituary
Jim graduated high school, while working full time at Dunkin Donuts, in 1972 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1978 as a Corporal and having received medals for Sharpshooting and Good Conduct. He then tried professional boxing, but his 0-3 record prompted him to open his own business; Illusions, in Franklin, a roller rink and arcade.
Jim then successively worked in forensics at NH Hospital and Lakes Region Community Services, after which he climbed the ladder to become a chimney sweep and opened Ye Olde Sweepes in 1991. He was well respected in the chimney sweep community and was President of the NH Assoc. of Chimney Professionals.
He then became involved with real estate and renovated several homes, culminating in building his own home "Curmudgeon's Castle", where he spent his last years enjoying his home and time with his family.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Jo Ellen Divoll; son and daughter-in-law, Jaime and Melisa Van Keuren and granddaughter, Meara all of Bristol; foster son, Matt Stover, of Bristol; daughters, Lisa MacFarlane and Dawn Vancamp of Connecticut and Shannon Van Keuren of New Jersey; two sisters, Leslie Petersen of Fr. Worth, Texas and Ethel Noiles of Maine; two brothers, Philip Van Keuren of Franklin, and Raymond Noiles of Portsmouth; several nieces and nephews.
Memorial calling hours will be Saturday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Emmons Funeral Home, 115 South Main St., Bristol. This will be followed by a celebration of his life at his home, 136 Ernest Drive in Bristol.
Jim's family would like to thank Lakes Region Family Practice, Newfound Area Nursing Association and Franklin Savings Bank's Bristol office for their kind care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James VanKeuren
6 Entries
Rick MacDonald
November 25, 2013
Rest in Peace Jim, I will forever be thankful for knowing you.
November 23, 2013
Rest in peace friend and brother in soot. We will always remember you.
Phil and Sharon Mitchell
November 22, 2013
Glad to have known you, Jim. Rest in Peace. Rick and Joann Vollmer
anthony terminelle
November 22, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in James VanKeuren's name
Memorial Events
for James VanKeuren
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James VanKeuren's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
