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James VAN VALKENBURG Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James VAN VALKENBURG
Robin M Greer
May 23, 2023
"Jim Van" was his name in our home, never called him Mr. or Jim or never used his full last name...Jim Van. What a gracious and kind man he was to me and my whole family. All my life he acknowledged me with a smile, a chuckle that made his belly wiggle, and a word of encouragement. I trusted him and knew I could count on him for anything. Priceless. And so important for a child. Thank you jim Van
Robin Greer
May 23, 2021
Jim Van....always a gentleman. He always made people feel important. Always cared, always helped, was always gracious. I loved him like a second dad. Many many fun memories
Robin Greer
May 23, 2020
Jim Van, is how I knew him! One of a few best friends of Mom and Dad. ❤ Jim always had a wise smile on his face☺ He had a warm and sincere greeting and true caring for all, me. He was the quintessential gentleman. Respect is his middle name. A gentle giant of a man. Big, powerful, very good at all he did....yet humble, soft and quiet in his approach. I always felt safe with him. Like a second Dad, I knew I could go to him for help. He was part of the village that raised me and to whom I was accountable.
Thanks good guy! Jim Van.
Mark Nugent
June 1, 2013
My sincere condolences to all the Van Valkenburg family and friends. I deeply regret my inability to attend the funeral. I wish you all comfort in this time of mourning. He is now in the comfort of our Lord, and with the loving spirit of those whom have gone before.
"Mr. Van", as I addressed him, walked quietly, yet commanded great presence and respect. His legacy lives on.
It was on a canoe trip to the Gunflint trail back in the 60's with the fathers and sons of four families. A trip certainly of my lifetime where bonds were created, and life's lessons learned by at least this impressionable boy. Upon launching our crafts into the Boundary Waters of the Gunflint, Mr. Van declared all the voyageurs of the expedition were to be addressed by their first name. In that time of my youth, it was unheard of to be addressing an adult by other than Mr., Mrs. or Sir. But by doing so, "Jim" had attempted to eliminate the boundaries of civilization and protocol to suggest we all might be equal participants in the sharing of the grandeur and experience of our trek into that wilderness. I required constant correction to this request, but "Jim"'s easy and humorous character affected me so that it soon became comfortable.
We had stuffed a boatload of dry goods into the Duluth packs while the wives looked on in astonishment to the idiocy of a two week wilderness outing on nothing but powdered nutrition. Then to our young souls delight, a stop in Duluth to stock up on fresh lobsters and choice steaks (lesson 1).
There were family trips to Park Rapids, to Evergreen Lodge where we dug huge holes into the sand roads in front of our adjacent cabins. Jim encouraged our outlandish and fun behavior, knowing it was this type of harmless release we all sought and needed. And family get-togethers at each others' houses where Mr. Van, with his almost deviant humor and warm smile, ready to make our day with his selfless and entertaining camaraderie.
"Jim" was a soft heart, a big soul, a caring friend, a strong advocate, a driving force.
My parents were quite fortunate to have Jim and his loving wife Pat as two of their closest of friends, and they knew it. I had great respect for the man, and we are all fortunate for Mr. Van.
Rest in peace Mr. Van. May your spirit in the wind breeze upon us forever.
Robin Greer
June 1, 2013
Jim, Mr.Van Valkenberg, will be missed. I can't think of a gentler soul than he. Friends of Mom and Dad since before I was born... the Vans were so much a part of our lives. Such fond memories of multi family vacations and gatherings in backyards.... and gratitude for Jim's loving, protective self in throwing me over his shoulder to carry me into the ER to have my foot stitched up as I was crying my head off at age 10 or so. We were headed for International Falls. Jim stayed at my bedside and comforted me while I got fixed up...my own parents and family were all there too along with all Jim's kids...he stayed, holding my hand until the bandage was complete.
Saved me a seat and bought my lunch every time I could meet up with the Friday noon lunch crowd at Scoreboard.
He never missed a Lake Home and Cabin Show even though it got hard for him to get around the show...he was there for Dave.
Salt of the earth he is! This world was a better place with him in it. Love you Jim Van!!!!! Thanks for your huge soft heart and gentle grizzly bear ways!!!! Robin Greer. Ps. Say hi to Momand Dad and all the gang! See you soon!
My heart goes out to "the kids" all the family and dear Lorraine....he filled a big spot in all your lives.
Michael Bush
May 31, 2013
“Governor”,
Thank you so much for being my grandpa next door. I will always remember your kind and thoughtful nature. What a fantastic birthday present to walk off the school bus and see that you had removed your old (crooked) basketball hoop and were assembling a new one for me to use. You probably regretted this decision as soon as the ball began to bounce for hours upon hours every single night. When it started to get dark, what did you do? In typical Mr. Van fashion, you turned on every light in the house, hoping to illuminate the patio just enough for me to finish those last few free throws. I will think of you every Monday when I drive into your park for softball and see your sign. The neighborhood and the community have lost a great friend. “Fifi” and her sisters will continue to watch over your house and bark at anything that moves. I promise to make sure your gutters are always clean and I will paint the house again as soon as it needs it.
~ “Michelangelo”
Dave Bush
May 30, 2013
In life, I know people come and then they go. I have said goodbye to a number of people, but other than family none have hit me the hardest as losing my buddy and next door neighbor Jim. He was a man who did so much for so many and never asked for anything in return.
I have known Jim for 30 years, but I don't know half the things he has done for the community. He just went about his business quietly and got stuff done, never drawing attention to himself.
There were times when I needed help, but he never offered advice or assistance unless I asked for it.
To my children, he was more of a grandfather figure than their own grandfather. He never forgot birthdays, graduations and other holidays. Every Christmas, I would find a box of Hickory Farms or Omaha steaks on my front step.
After our wives died, I would ask Jim over for dinner on a number of occasions. Amazingly, he never complained about my cooking, at least to my face and I found his favorite was pot roast,potatoes and gravy and carrots. Of course, we needed a cold beer IN A GLASS to top things off.
I could go on, but I won't. My condolences to Paul, John, Jim and Jane who just lost their Dad, and to the spouses and grand kids as well.
Knowing Jim the way I think I did, his message to all would be this:
"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die."
Pleasant journey my friend and give Pat and Maggie a hug for me.
Dave Bush
May 30, 2013
Sincere condolences to the Van V family.
Ardys Van V, Palm Desert, CA
May 29, 2013
We're thinking of you all. Hugs to John and Tammy and family, with love from Wally and Deborah Hilke
Jennifer Bush
May 29, 2013
How lucky I was to get to grow up in the house next door. "Mr. Van" treated me like a grandchild. In 29 years, he never forgot my birthday, Christmas, a graduation, or other holiday, even after I grew up and moved away from home. The neighborhood will never be the same, and we will remember and miss him always.
Two old Scouts reminiscing
Marge Braddock
May 29, 2013
If Bill were still here, he would be missing Jim, but since he has gone on ahead, they will have a fine time conversing in the hereafter. Farewell, Jim, Happy voyage.
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