James R. Van Brimmer

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

James R. Van Brimmer

James R. Van Brimmer, 86, died Saturday (March 6, 2010) after a two-year battle with a rare cancer.

Jim was born in Delaware Aug. 8, 1923 to Elmer and Mary (Richards) Van Brimmer. He graduated from Willis High School and served with the 1596th Army Air Force Unit, 2nd Ferrying Group, “Crescent Caravan” of the Air Transport Command during WWII. After the war, he had a crop dusting company with two service friends. In 1988, he retired as regional quality control manager for Ranco Controls after 40 years, having been hired the day the plant opened in Delaware. Though humble, Jim had seemingly unlimited energy for the causes he chose. He served on the organizational committee for the United Way, creating its first budget; he was instrumental in creating the chaplaincy program at Grady Memorial Hospital, and in funding and finding the first chaplain; he kept the records for the Alpha Industries Board; and he helped organize and promote Andrews House services. Throughout his life he served in every possible way at First Baptist Church, including as moderator, Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the deacons. He served several years as president of the American Baptist Men of Ohio. Jim repaired pipe organs whenever asked and ingeniously refurbished several player pianos.

Jim’s survivors include his wife of 59 1/2 years, Bertha Sparks Van Brimmer; daughters, Karen (Steve) Stoner of Delaware and Susie (Jeff) Leonard of Port Royal, Pa.; son, Rick (Sandy) of Columbus; grandchildren, Stefanie Heizer, Micah Stoner, Casey Leonard, Ryan Leonard and Tonya Claar; three great-grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Ellen Treiber, Dorothy Houtman and Elizabeth Tracy.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the Rodman Neeper Funeral Home, 1510 W. William St., Delaware. A memorial service will be held at11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at the First Baptist Church, 101 N. Franklin St., led by the Rev. Tim Chesser.

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church.

To share a memory of James or to offer condolences to the family, please visit rodmanneeper.com.