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BORN
1937
DIED
2018
James Van Dee Obituary
Altoona - James "Jim" Van Dee took his last train ride into heaven on Sunday, January 21, 2018, surrounded by his loving wife, Jan, and daughters.
Born on October 4, 1937, in Deep River, Iowa, Jim worked for the Rock Island Railroad and Iowa Interstate for a total of 33 years. He kept many of his fellow railraoders near and dear to his heart, attending monthly lunches with many of them. Jim worked the 3:00-11:00 p.m. shift and volunteered for school playground duty so he could spend time with his children.
Jim was a devout Catholic and attended Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona, Iowa. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus for several years and was treasurer until very recently. His faith had an impact on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, kneeling beside them at night to teach them their first prayers. There are so many special things Pop-Pops-Papa-Dad left for his family to hold dear in their hearts and carry on for future generations.
Jim's sense of humor, his over use of duct tape and the countless generous acts of kindness will be sorely missed! Jim could hold a crying baby and quiet it down in no time at all. He loved kids!
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Avenue South in Altoona. Burial will take place at 2:15 p.m. at Armah Cemetery in North English, Iowa. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening at the church from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m.
Welcoming him into heaven are Jim's parents, Verla and Ted Van Dee; brother, Marion (Hook) Van Dee; his son, Steven Van Dee; and grandson, Ryan Heithoff.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janet; daughters, Renee Scott (Todd) and Rita Holt (Rick); his favorite sister, Iowa Ann; brothers, Jerry and Dave Van Dee; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Thank you to Dr. Molina, Dr. Jason Kopp, and the best Hospice team any family could ask for. You showed Dad and our family compassion and your love of humanity. Jim would tell Dr. Kopp, "Go Broncos!"
From you daughters, "Ciao for now!"
Memorials can be made to Saint Labre Catholic School, E. Tongue River Rd., Ashland, MT 59003 and Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church - building fund.
Online condolences are welcome at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Van Dee
Sponsored by the Des Moines Register.
4 Entries
January 25, 2018
1PETER 5:10,TELLS US:GOD WILL MAKE YOU FIRM,HE WILL MAKE YOU STRONG.I AM TRULY VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Jason Kopp
January 24, 2018
As a physician I'm not supposed to have favorite' patients. Well Jim was definitely one of my favorites. Jim was the type of patient you wanted to call during a tough day and ask him to come in just to put a smile on your face. To me, Jim was more than just a patient, I considered him a great friend. Jim, I miss your care-free, fun loving attitude. I will think about you every time I watch our Broncos. I will miss you dearly my friend. Until we meet again.
Dr. Jason Kopp
Jason'
Ed Brunner
January 24, 2018
When I was breaking in as an operator at Culver Tower, Jim was the dispatcher who continually offered the help that a very inexperienced worker needed. He always encouraged me, and when I visited the Des Moines Offices, it was Jim whose office I spent most time in. Jim was kind and generous, and that came across even in the everyday work of getting trains over the rails. I left the railroad and became a college professor, but I sometimes wrote about the Rock Island and in those pieces, Jim was never far from my thoughts. He made the years I spent on the Rock Island memorable times, and I am grateful for his help, and his memory will stay with me as long as I am here.
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