JAMES E "Jim/Jamie" VAN ZANDT II

VAN ZANDT JAMES E. VAN ZANDT, II (Age 68) Died unexpectedly of a heart attack on July 17, 2016. Son of the late former congressman (Real Admiral), James E. and (Lieutenant) Ester L. (Meisenhoelder) Van Zandt. Jim's father served as a United States Congressman from Altoona, PA, and Jim grew up there and in Arlington, VA. He graduated from Washington-Lee High School and George Washington University, receiving a degree in Geology. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1970 he was accepted by the Naval Officer Candidate School, and attained the rank of Lt. Commander. He worked in the Inspector General's Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and audited VA hospitals throughout the US. In his final position, he headed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Liaison Office for the Deputy Assistant Secretary. Jim retired in 2008, after 38 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the VA Alumni Association, and also a member of the Arlington Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). Jim's father was the catalyst for the establishment of the VA Medical Center in Altoona, which was named for him in 1983. The whole family was frequently involved in activities related to the hospital. After the death of his parents, he continued this tradition. A representative of the medical center wrote of Jim's death, "May we always remember the legacy of the James E. Van Zandt family as we continue to serve veterans in their name. We honor the humor, the generosity, and the undying commitment of Jamie Van Zandt..." Jim was devoted to his parents, and always put them in the forefront of his decisions. Van Zandt family reunions were a highlight and Jim happily planned several of them. For many years, he had Redskin season tickets, first attending with his family, then inviting friends for tailgate parties and the game. He loved the opera, and was a regular attendee for over 20 years. As a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Washington, DC, he purchased, prepared and served hot meals to the homeless. He also loved to cook for his friends. His 4th of July parties were legendary, not only because his condo had a bird's-eye view of the fireworks at the Washington Monument, but because the food and drinks were epic! Jim loved to travel, and he recently visited his seventh continent, Antarctica. Every year since his retirement, Jim took a road trip across the country, seeing friends and family, and making sure he visited his favorite city, "N'Orleans." Every May, he went to the Kentucky Derby. Jim leaves no immediate family, but he will be missed by many cousins and friends. He was "a constant friend!" On July 13, 2017, Jim will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Services begin at 1 p.m., at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel. Entry is at Hatfield Gate, 2nd Street South, Fort Myer, VA. Arrival at the gate by 12:30 p.m. is recommended. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: James E. Van Zandt VAMC, C/O Voluntary Service, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: James E. Van Zandt VAMC, C/O Voluntary Service, 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.