Birth date: Feb 22, 1944 Death date: Sep 11, 2017
James N. VanDongen, age 73, passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 11, 2017. He was born February 22, 1944 in Muskegon to Clarence “Barney” and Hilda (Jansen) VanDongen. Jim graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central and was a U Read Obituary
March 2014 - on an ice cream run from Palm Gardens, Texas! Great day!
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's unexpected passing. We had a luncheon with him and his sister-in-law, Barb just a few weeks ago. HIs enthusiasm for life was infectious and he was undoubtedly one of the most interesting people a person
could hope to meet. A gentle soul with a ready smile and easy conversation with anyone.
I only regret, that as a cousin to his wife Linda, our families had not stayed in contact through our working years. He will be missed by us, and a loss to all who will never have the opportunity to experience Jim's give of humanity.
Our sincerest condolences to Jim's son's and grand children. We have lost a very special individual much too suddenly and too early in his life.
Captain Jim will be missed by all at Palm Garden. He was such a sweet and good person to all and always had time for you. We were F/B friends and he would say when he was getting into Palm Garden and I would say just blow your horn when you go by, when we would hear that loud horn we would know he made it.
Our thoughts go out to the family as they will have a big void in their lives now. We will miss you Jim.
Jerry/Zelma Turner
I never had the opportunity to meet the family...but I was fortunate to hear many stories. Jims family was one of the highlights in his life. He was so proud of all of you.
I will greatly miss our bike rides and domino nights and our friendship in general.
My sympathy goes out to all of Jim's family and his many friends. Jim always lived his life by the dash.
Miss you jim...
Lynn Martin
Gonna miss you sitting by your Texas home and we probably will miss that keg of beer that you donated every winter. From your Canadian winter Texans John and Arlene Robertson
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing.I did not know him personally but he brought so much Joy,friendship and life back into my friend Judy's life.I know they had alot of fun together and she always had a smile on her face,a twinkle in her eye and a skip in her step when talking about her friend Jim.Thanks Jim for taking her out of her comfort zone and showing her such beauty from the back of a Hog...who would have thought she'd love it and you for all those rides and adventures you took her on.
Judy also shared that you were friends as couples before your spouses deaths and had reconnected after many years,she spoke highly of your Mother and your family.
James VanDongen may you R.I.P. for your work on earth is complete,may your sweet reward be riding the streets of Gold... on a "Great Big Golden Hog w/ Wings on it." I can just imagine you smiling and riding around with so much to see,no one can ever imagine the beauty you will see there.Til we meet someday enjoy heaven's awesome beauty.God be w/you and your family at this time.
Ride Hard Ride on....a Hog especially if it's Golden and has wings.
Sincerely,Karay Patterson
Thoughts and prayers are with the family! Jim was a great friend of mine and I will miss him very much! Starbucks won't be the same without him and Mick there.
Lew and I were friends with the Capt a long time, he truly was a joy to be around. Red shirt friday's at the Rose won't be the same without Jimmy and his "Ann Murray". Will miss you dear friend
