James Thomas VanDuyne
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 3D Obituary - September 25, 2016
ames Thomas Van Duyne
was born August 14, 1927, in
Wilmington, IL to Cornelius
and Amy (Sheldon) Van
Duyne and died August 15,
2016, aged 89 years, in Grand
Junction, CO at Mantey
Heights Rehabilitation Center.
Jim attended Joliet Township
HS class of 1945. He served in the Army 1946-1947. He
graduated from Joliet Jr. College in 1949, and received his
teaching degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in
1957. He was very proud to have been the drum major for the
1957 Orange Bowl - Colorado vs. Clemson.
Jim taught his first year in Fort Morgan, CO, and then went on
to Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction, CO, where
he made it his career teaching humanities until he retired.
Jim had a positive effect on his students, tried to instill history
of the time of the Literature, and also blended music, art and
politics with Literature. He was a dedicated professional and his
influence outlived him!!
Jim was an avid patron of the arts and music and cherished his
collection and friendship to the artist, Paul Pletka. Paul was not
only a student but a friend who became a famous artist. Jim
traveled to many of Paul’s Art Shows and always came away
with pride in Pauls’ accomplishments.
His summer travels to Italy and the friends, pictures and
multitude of stories he brought back, were among his greatest
joys.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Also
surviving are his friends from Colorado who became as close as
family, Sue, Keri and Andy Moon, Ruth Chenoweth, Mary
Vaughn and caretakers, Pat Seiler and Vickie Pologar.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Patricia
(Robert) Jarman, Dorothy “Jean” Van Duyne, and Barbara
(James) Caldwell and also an extremely special friend, Bob
Moon.
A funeral service will be held at the Abraham Lincoln
Veteran’s Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to
HopeWest Hospice, 3090B North 12th St. Grand Junction, CO
81506 or to Callahan-Edfast, 2515 Patterson Rd., Grand
Junction, CO 81505.
Those who knew Jim are thankful for the many years of
humor, sense of style and friendship he gave to us.
