James Van Veldhuizen

James L. “Jim” Van Veldhuizen, 71, of Chambersburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Chambersburg Hospital. Born May 15, 1950 in Oskaloosa, IA, he was a son of the late Harold and Wilma Boender Van Veldhuizen.

As a young man, Jim was interested in the missionary field. He was a graduate of Calvary University in Kansas City, MO. He served as a Missionary for 25 years with CLC Ministries in Ft. Washington, PA and 20 years with Joy El Camps and Retreats in Greencastle, PA. He attended Grace Baptist Church in Chambersburg. A member of Zion Choral for over 17 years, Jim enjoyed music and singing. He also enjoyed gardening, old movies and, having grown up on a farm, was interested in farming and weather. He especially loved time spent with his family gathered around him.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette E. Russell Van Veldhuizen; five children, Mary Ruth Brunton (husband Matt) of Newburgh, IN, Rachel Young (husband Troy) of Mercersburg, PA, Elisabeth Flinner (husband Aaron) of Darlington, PA, Philip Van Veldhuizen (wife Bethany) of Dresher, PA, and Jonathan Van Veldhuizen (wife Danielle) of Sterling, KS; fifteen grandchildren, Eli and Caleb Brunton; Micha, Nathaniel, Seth and Evangelina Young; Hannah, Rachel, Adam and Simon Flinner; Timothy and Mae Van Veldhuizen; and Zachariah, Kaiser and Blaise Van Veldhuizen; two siblings, Darrel Van Veldhuizen (wife Beverly) of Eddyville, IA, and Nancy Diehl (husband David) of Des Moines, IA; and sister-in-law, Loraine Van Veldhuizen of Pella, IA. Aside from his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Van Veldhuizen.

A memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at Grace Baptist Church, 2475 McCleary Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Pastor Luke Mace will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 3:00 PM on Sunday prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Phil – Mont Christian Academy, 35 E. Hillcrest Ave., Erdenheim, PA 19038 or to Joy El Camps and Retreats, 3741 Joy-El Drive, Greencastle, PA 17225.