James K. Van Dyke, 61 years, of Pioneer, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2015 in the emergency room of St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo. Jim was born July 17, 1954 in Wauseon, Ohio, the son of the late William and Betty Lou (Ankney) Van Dyke. He married Jessica A. Stalhood on March 25, 1973 in Hillsdale, Michigan, and she survives.
Jim was a truck driver, driving for HRH Industries and Northwest Recycling for 39 years, retiring in 2014 due to a health disability. He was a volunteer fireman for the Kunkle (Madison Township) Fire Department. He was a member of the Bryan Eagles Aerie 2233, Montpelier Moose Lodge 312 and a member of the former West Unity Sportsman’s Club. He enjoyed hunting and was a collector of guns. He found great joy in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and camping with his “second family” at Shepherd’s Pasture Campground near Defiance.
In addition to his wife Jessica, Jim is survived by two sons, Michael (Laura) Van Dyke of Waldron, Michigan and Matthew (Teresa) Van Dyke of Montpelier; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Thomas (Charla) Van Dyke of Montgomery, Michigan; two sisters, Susan Wells of Flanagan, Illinois and Linda (Roy) Koenig also of Flanagan, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert Van Dyke and one sister, Judy Holtz.
There will be no visitation and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, West Unity, Ohio.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com
