James Van Engelenhoven
James Van Engelenhoven
James Van Engelenhoven
January 18, 1946 – April 7, 2018
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 72
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
James “Jim” Van Engelenhoven, 72, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, April 7, 2018, while under hospice care at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born January 18, 1946, in Mahaska County, the son of Cornelius and Grace Boot Van Engelenhoven.
James attended school in Lacey. Following school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served from October 1965 until October 1967.
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to farm with his father in law and formed J & R Truck Line, hauling livestock throughout the Midwest. Jim and Marlene (Flanders) were married in Oskaloosa on June 26, 1970. In 1985, he took a job driving a semi for Wal-Mart. During these years you would often see a Wal-Mart semi parked around the community while he stopped on the way through at his kid’s activities. He drove until retirement in 2006.
In retirement he enjoyed helping his family on the farm, especially running the combine in the fall. He delighted in spending time with his family, he took great joy in passing down his love and knowledge of farming to his children and grandchildren. He also delighted in giving his children advice, even if they didn’t always listen. He looked forward to watching his grandchildren show livestock and play sports. He especially looked forward to spending mornings with his grandsons, cooking them breakfast, watching the news, glancing over homework, and then getting them to school. He treasured the relationships he had with all of them.
James was a past member of the ISU Extension Council, West Des Moines Livewires 4-H leader, and little league baseball coach.
His family includes his wife of over 47 years, Marlene Van Engelenhoven of Oskaloosa; two sons: Shawn (& Angela) Van Engelenhoven of Oskaloosa and Justin (& friend Cara Jaquay) Van Engelenhoven of Oskaloosa; a daughter, Holly (& Glenn) Padgett of Oskaloosa; three grandsons: Hunter McCombs, Merek Padgett, and Kelen Padgett; three brothers: Gary (& MaryLou) Van Engelenhoven of Oskaloosa, Arvin (& Dena) Van Engelenhoven of Oskaloosa, and Emory (& Deb) Van Engelenhoven of Oskaloosa; two sisters: Janice Borchers of Grinnell and Junella (& Wes) Van Kooten of Leighton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Robyn Lynn Van Engelenhoven; his parents; and his father and mother in law, Loren “Sonny” and Ione Flanders.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Rick Van Weelden officiating.
Graveside Military Rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W.
Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Wednesday after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 4-7 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Southern Iowa Fair Foundation, Beef Barn Project.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Van Engelenhoven please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
