James Van Mersbergen
James Van Mersbergen
Oskaloosa. James Ray Van Mersbergen, 72, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, July 1, 2011, of injuries received in a vehicle accident near Oskaloosa. He was born May 21, 1939, at Oskaloosa, the son of Lewis M. and Irene Van Ommen Van Mersbergen. Jim served his country in the military for six years, initially with the regular Army, and then in the Reserves. On October 26, 1979, he was united in marriage to Maxine Thomason at the home of his parents in Oskaloosa. Jim drove semi-truck for most of his life, however he was born into a farm family and loved the farm and the tractors used on the farm, and this love prevailed until his last day. He had a love for the Lord and enjoyed singing to His honor and glory. He was a member of the Gospel Singers for 25 years as well as quartet and choir singing. He was a longtime member of the First Christian Reformed Church, Oskaloosa. Family was a very important part of his life. From a previous marriage, he cherished his sons Ray and Don.
His family includes his wife, Maxine of Oskaloosa; his sons: Ray (& Julie) Van Mersbergen of Ft. White, Florida and Don (& Winnie) Van Mersbergen of Oskaloosa; stepdaughters, Dorothy (& Mike) Ryan of Pleasant Hill and Leslie (& Virgil) Bruinekool of Roanoke, Virginia; a stepson, Brian Thomason, at home; a brother and his wife, Larry and Jean Van Mersbergen of Oskaloosa; and grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents.
Funeral services for Jim Van Mersbergen will be held Thursday, July 7, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church, Oskaloosa, with the Reverend Dale Visser officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery at Oskaloosa, with the American flag folding and presentation by members of the Oskaloosa V.F.W., D.A.V., and American Legion. There will be a Family Prayer Service at 1:15 p.m. Thursday in the church. Visitation will begin at the Bates Funeral Chapel on Wednesday after 11 a.m., and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.
Source: Bates Funeral Chapel
