James "Jim" Van Valkenburg

Van Valkenburg, James "Jim" of Edina, MN. Born November 29, 1925 Minneapolis, MN. Predeceased by loving wife, M. Pat Van Valkenburg; and parents, Horace, Julia & Helen. Survived by 4 children, James A. & Barb Van Valkenburg, Jane Van Valkenburg & David Psyhos, John Van Valkenburg & Tammy Gerten, Paul & Kathy Van Valkenburg; brother Paul & Pat Van Valkenburg; sweetheart, Lorraine Neuger & family; grandchildren, Andrew John, Britney, Brooke, Margaret Jane, Alek James, Nick & Maggie, Andrew D. & Lexy, Chris & Katie, Anthony, Peter, Shawn & Cori, Lindsay; and great-grandchildren, Maison, Ella and Oliver. Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota Law school in 1952 after serving SAR US Army Infantry during WWII. His tours included service in Europe and Japan. He practiced law in the private sector for over 50 years. He is part of 4 generations of Minnesota lawyers starting with his grandfather, Jesse Van Valkenburg. Jim also taught business law at the University of Minnesota for 30 years. Jim had a strong sense of giving back to his community. He served on the City Council of Edina for 20 years with the last 7 as mayor. Van Valkenburg Park in Edina is named in his honor after his many years of dedicated service. Jim was recognized for the Mayor's Individual Service Commendation award from the Mayor of Edina. Jim was a member of the Edina Rotary, Metro Gyro, Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Edina Art Center Board and Edina Community Foundation of which he was a founder. He received the honor of WCCO Good Neighbor. Jim was the first of 7 Van Valkenburgs to receive the Eagle Scout rank through Troop 33 and 200. He was the first of three generations to love Camp Ajawah. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. Jim was a loving husband, incredible father, devoted grandfather. His loves were the Gunflint Trail, playing cribbage for which he wrote the book and being with family at the cabin. Memorials preferred to Edina Community Foundation for Van Valkenburg Fund for Children (not his), 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, 55436; Edina Crime Prevention Fund, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina, 55424; Edina Arts Center, 4701 West 64th Street, Edina, 55435; and Camp Ajawah c/o Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, 55403. Memorial Service Saturday 6/1, 11:00 am, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave, Mpls, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

James "Jim" Van Valkenburg

May 25, 2013

Tributes

James "Jim" Van Valkenburg

May 25, 2013

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