James Peter Van Loon's Obituary
James Peter Van Loon, 83, of Boston, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9 at The Culpeper Continuous Care Retirement Community located in Culpeper, VA where he resided due to his lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s type dementia.
Jim was born in Los Angeles, CA, the eldest of 3 sons born to Edna and Ernest Van Loon. When Jim was in his teens his father, an FBI agent, was transferred to Phoenix, AZ where Jim was raised and attended Brophy College Preparatory. He continued his education in California where he graduated from Santa Clara University.
After graduating from college, he joined the United States Navy with a determination to join the ranks of the UDT teams. He attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and then reported to Little Creek, VA. There he faced and conquered the rigors of BUD’s training, winter class 1968 (42EC) earning his place as a Frogman. He was assigned to UDT 21 and served as a Platoon Officer. He then transitioned to SEAL Team 2 at Little Creek, VA where his responsibilities included serving as Platoon Officer, Operations Officer, Assistant Intelligence Officer and others. He concluded his active duty as a BUD/S Instructor, Coronado, CA. Jim continued his military service in the Naval Reserves and then with 24 years of service, was honorably discharged with the rank of Commander. He took great pride in being a SEAL and what that stood for and was never shy but always proud to talk about that accomplishment and his military experience.
Jim then turned to the corporate world and worked as a corporate recruiter. While recruiting for EDS he was transferred back to home ground, Phoenix, AZ, where he was also able to help care for his aging parents. While in Phoenix he fully retired and with the passing of both parents, he and his wife decided to return to Virginia. They built a home on a property with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This property gave him a great deal of pleasure and rewarded him with a great deal of work that he enjoyed.
Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ingrid, two younger brothers, William and wife Beverly of Sandy Springs, GA, and their 2 daughters, Katherine and Christine and their families, Thomas and wife Carol of Londonderry, NH, in-laws Thomas and Judith McKechnie of Sedgwick, ME and their 3 children, John, Susan and Thomas and their families.
A family gathering to celebrate Jim’s full and vigorous life will be held at a later date.
A memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association is a welcome tribute.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at https://www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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