David D. Van Pelt

James (Jim) D. Van Pelt, 93, of Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, passed away

peacefully on December 18, 2025, in Dover, NH where he was being cared for at

Watson Fields Assisted Living Facility.

Jim was born in Harden, Missouri to John D. (Dewitt) Van Pelt and Mildred

(McQuitty) Van Pelt. He grew up in Lamont, Kansas and graduated from Lamont

High School in 1950.

Jim graduated from the University of Kansas (KU) and KU Law School (class of

1958), in Lawrence, KS. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity and

served as president. He was also a member of the KU football team.

Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, achieving the

rank of Major. He retired from military service in 1975.

Jim loved to travel and did so extensively throughout the world for much of his

life. His business and vacation travels took him to some of the most exotic and

exciting places on Earth, including Singapore, India, Peru, Brazil, Kenya, Egypt and

throughout Europe. He loved the Greek isle of Rhodes, where he traveled to often

in his later years. He also became a fan of cruises, which he experienced with his

children, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

Jim spent 33 years in New Hampshire and loved his life there. He enjoyed skiing,

playing tennis, reading, walking his beloved dogs Max and Sam, and swimming in

Lake Winnipausaukee. Prior to moving to NH, Jim lived and worked in Wichita KS,

Potomac, MD, Washington, DC, New Canaan, CT, and New York City.

Jim's professional career began with the practice of law in Wichita, KS. He was a

member of the American Bar Association and the Inter-American Bar Association.

He also served as president of World Homes, where he managed the

development and building of homes for marginalized populations in several

developing nations. That role took him to Washington, DC where he worked for

several years. In the late 1970s, Jim's career brought him to New York City, where

he served as vice president of development for InterContinental Hotels.

Jim is survived by Joyce Elaine Miguel (Smith), daughter Dina, granddaughter

Isabel, son David, son-in-law Henry, brother Bill, niece Susan, and nephew Peter.

A memorial to honor and remember Jim will be held at the VA Cemetery in

Boscawen, NH on June 30, 2026 at 11 AM ET.

For online condolences, visit: www.taskerfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are

under the direction and care of the Tasker Funeral Home, Dover, New Hampshire.