Jimmie (Jim) Ehrman Van De Vanter passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025.

Jim was born on October 22, 1931, to Mildred (Midge) Jackson and Ehrman Wayne Van De Vanter in Vancouver, Washington. Jim was raised in Goldendale until about 3rd grade before he and Midge, moved to North Bend, WA.

Jim attended Mt. Si High School in North Bend and was part of the very first graduating class
in 1950. It is in Snoqualmie that Jim met his love, Barbara (Bobby) Helen Stewart. They met in middle school but didn't begin dating until high school. They were part of the very first graduating class in 1950. After high school graduation, Jim joined the Air Force and was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas.

On June 14, 1952, at the age of 20, Jim married Bobby in Snoqualmie. The newlyweds embarked on their first adventure as a married couple by moving to Fort Worth, Texas. During this time, Jim became a big brother when Craig Holstine was born. After leaving the Air Force in 1954, Jim and Bobby moved to Ellensburg, WA, where Jim earned his degree in education from Central Washington College of Education, now known as Central Washington University. It was in Ellensburg that the young couple welcomed their first child, James Stewart.

After Jim graduated with his teaching degree, they moved to Colville, WA, where Jim accepted his first teaching job. While in Colville, they welcomed their first daughter, Heidi Helen, followed by their second son, Scott Earl, a few years later. In 1964, the family moved to Woodinville, WA to the home they enjoyed for more than 57 years. It was here that Jill Kathleen and Jennifer Jane Mildred were born, completing their family of seven

Jim taught in the Lake Washington School District at various schools and coached baseball, basketball and bowling during his career. He retired as a Washington State history teacher from Redmond Junior High in 1982 at the age of 51.

After Bobby retired, the couple did some traveling. They both loved fishing and some of their favorite fishing spots were Twin Lakes on the Colville Indian Reservation and Sheridan Lake in Canada. In the winter months they traveled to Wickenburg, Arizona, where they met up with friends and enjoyed the warm weather. They also visited Montana, Yellowstone National Park, and even drove to Alaska, a trip Jim often loved to talk about.

Jim's hobbies included fishing and hunting, as well as watching baseball. His favorite
team was the Yankees but was always a loyal fan of the Mariners, sporting lots of
Mariners gear throughout the years. Watching baseball, football or college basketball on TV was a
norm in their home. You would also find Jim and Bobby rooting on and supporting their
grandkids' sporting events and extra-curricular activities when they were able.

Jim was a kind, generous and loving father, a good man who valued family and friendship. He was always willing to go the extra mile for those in need. He had a love of nature and would always drive the scenic way home.

Jim will be missed on this earth by many but especially by his family. His sons, Jamie (Andrea) Van De Vanter and Scott Van De Vanter, daughters Heidi (Rom) Castilleja, Jill (Ryan) Stoffel and Jenny (Chris) Wash, and brother, Craig (Marsha) Holstine - as well as thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.