James Allyn Venema

1940 - 2017

James Allyn Venema

AGE: 77 • Hockessin

Jim Venema of Hockessin, DE, came to the end of a life filled with the riches of a loving family, rewarding career and the respect and admiration of his community. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Clarence and Gertrude Venema, Jim had an older brother Bob (deceased) and a younger brother Ken (Sharon). Jim adored his younger brother and spoke to Ken several times a week. They loved to harass one other and laugh at the ongoing abuse. Jim graduated Rogers High School with honors and was awarded Cum Laude at graduation. Jim went on to Western Michigan University where he took a full class load and worked a full 40 hour weekly job to pay his college expenses that exceeded his scholarship. Jim was a member of Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society and again received the honor of Cum Laude at graduation along with the Harold Smith Patton Junior Student Award in Economics . In addition, Jim was selected to travel with the Asian Studies Seminar, a 12 week trip around the world with the emphasis on India. After returning from his trip around the world Jim came to the University of Delaware to acquire his Masters Degree in Economics. Jim met the LOVE of his life at the U of D. Jim married Janice Warren and together they shared 54 years of marriage as best friends, and constant companions; sharing, celebrating and supporting each other thru life's many journeys. As a small business owner, Delmic Display, and as a Realtor, Jim was privileged to work with his son, James Warren Venema (Terri) and daughter, Joelle Venema Webber on a daily basis. "Our Dad was an icon, a man of integrity who loved our country, our state and our community" said son Jim. "I will always treasure my Dad's strong work ethic, organizational skills and in-depth business knowledge. I have been privileged to have worked with my Dad my entire working life. You have taught me more than you know. I Love You Dad." To the end Jim had a mind informed by intellectual curiosity and an expansive view of the world. A patriot in every sense of the word, Jim was presented the Voice of Democracy Award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jim felt proud to be so honored. A champion for neighborhood schools, Jim, pioneered the fight against forced busing in Delaware and served as President of the Positive Action Committee (PAC). Jim also served as president of the National Association of Neighborhood Schools (NANS). In 1978 Jim ran for the U S Senate and received 46% of the vote in the Republican primary. In 1980 Jim served as Delaware Chairman for Reagan followed by serving as New Castle County Chairman for Perot in 1992. "I am deeply proud of our Dad, his courage, his wisdom and his accomplishments" said daughter, Joelle Webber. "My favorite memories are of our family trips that would last two to three weeks each as we explored all the best sights to see in 48 of the 50 states. Thank you for teaching me to Live, Learn, Laugh and Love. I Love you Dad!" Pop Pop rejoiced in the accomplishments of his grandsons but more importantly he celebrated them as the unique individuals they are. Jim had a mega smile reserved only for his grandsons: Ryan Webber who traveled with Mimi and Pop Pop and beat Pop Pop at Yatzee, chess, checkers and more; Kyle Webber who joins Pop Pop in collecting coins, playing checkers and eating vanilla cup cakes with vanilla icing and vanilla ice cream and Benjamin Venema who would say "Hi Poo Poo!" because it was funny and we would laugh. Ben and Poo Poo set up civil war battle scenes with our metal soldiers. And all the boys loved working with Pop Pop and our Lionel O Gauge trains. Jim LOVED his grandsons. Jim and Jan were blessed to travel the world. They loved to garden and do home improvements. Jim made an awesome pot of chili and had a host of friends who helped him empty the pot while reading Jim's Letters to the Editor and telling funny stories and laughing. Jim received Jesus as his personal Savior as a young man. God's perfect work in Jim's life was completed when our Heavenly Father called him home.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 16 (the anniversary of Jim and Jan's first date) from 2-3 pm at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans road, Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of Jim's life at 3pm. Burial will be private. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com

Strano & Feeley

Family Funeral Home

302-731-5459