"Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time." ---The Dalai Lama
James (Jim) M. Van Leeuwen was born on July 16, 1936 to John Henry Van Leeuwen and Agnes Mabel Barber at Holy Cross Hospital. He died of respiratory failure on August 7, 2018 surrounded by his family and friends.
Jim grew up in the Salt Lake and Sugarhouse areas.Hedeveloped a great love of the outdoors and spent his life exploring the cities he lived in andthe wilderness of the West.
Jimmarried Virginia Rae Anderson onApril 9, 1958,and had five children.He was a devoted family man, excelling as a husband and father. The purpose of his life was his family's happiness and wellbeing.He loved spending time with his family, and sharing the humbling beauty of the outdoors with them.As a result,the Van Leeuwen familyareexpert campers. They could be ready to go at a moment's notice.Jim was spontaneousand fun-loving.He absolutely loved long drives with his family in the car!
Jim followed in his father\s footsteps and became a plumber, taking great pride in his work. Jimwas never motivated by money, often refusing it. He was generous to a fault with his time, his money, and his talents. He provided for his family, but knew the true value of liferesides in relationships with family and friends.He put people first. Jim was always willing to lend a hand and help out those in need. The example of his life has been an inspiration to his children, grandchildren and friends. Jim was a great man;not for any one thing he did,but for all the little things he did every day of his life.
Besides his family, Jim loved fly fishing, good music, the newspaper, a good meal, and conversation. Jim was a life-long learner and member of the National Geographic Society. He was engaged in the world and continued to grow as person until his death.
His wife, Rae, died in November 2000. In September of 2008, he found love again and married Kathleen Johnson. They spent ten years together enjoying love, companionship,travel, the day-to-day routine of life, and of course their children and grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife Kathleen, his sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Dan Letham, his children Paul (Teddi), Ralyn (Keith) Pearce, Terrel (Sonya), Steven (Dianne) and Julie (Marc) Jentzsch. Hewas rich in grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents John Henry and Agnes Mabel Barber, also his brother John David and granddaughter Shantelle Reid.
Jim lived a good and honorable life.His example will continue to bless his family far beyondhis time on earth.
Thank you to allthe nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors at St. Mark's Hospital for their care and attention to our father.
Services will be heldTuesday, August 14th at 11:00 A.M.at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South). Viewing for friends and family will beTuesdayfrom10:00-10:45 A.M.
