James L. Van Gorp, Sr.

James L. Van Gorp, Sr., 82, of Newton, died Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Newton Health Care Center in Newton. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 31 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials to the Newton Fire Department can be left at the funeral home. If mailing, please add, “Attn: Van Gorp Family” to the envelope.

Jim, the son of Andrew and Stella (Parker) Van Gorp, was born July 24, 1935, in Lynnville. He attended school in Newton. Jim was united in marriage with Virginia Chapman Jan. 10, 1956, in Mitchellville. Jim served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1962, and then served in the Air National Guard until 1980. Jim was also a longtime firefighter for the Newton Fire Department, retiring as a captain in 1985. He was a member of American Legion Post 111, VFW Post 1655 and the Retired Firefighter’s Association. He enjoyed golfing, camping and fishing.

Jim is survived by his children, Anita Bayles of Newton, Penny (John) Bird of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jim Van Gorp, Jr. of Thunder Bay, Canada; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Joe) Kolpin of Newton, Ryan (Anya) Bayles of Newton, Christopher Thomas of Des Moines, Jim (Melanie) Van Gorp III of Thunder Bay, Tiffany Van Gorp of Thunder Bay, MikeVan Gorp of Arizona and Dustin (Amanda) Spearing of Newton; his great-grandchildren, Michael, Audrey, Alyssa, AJ, Damien, Brooke, Skye, Brendan, Ramsey, Ryder, Graysen, Deacon, Lily, Daisy, Brooke and Jeremy; his daughter-in-law, April Buttman of Thunder Bay; and his niece, Kim Roode.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia; son, Mike Van Gorp; grandson, Andrew Thomas; his great-grandson, Ryan Thomas; and his siblings, Fred, Kenny, Bob, Dorothy and Almeda.