James “Jim” Henry Van Heerde, 69 of Coldwater passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at the Community Health Center of Branch County.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Coldwater Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Robert Tharp officiating and American Legion Post 52 presenting Military Honors. Visitation will be prior to the funeral beginning at 12:00 Noon. Cremation will take place after the service and interment will be at a later date.

James was born November 25, 1945 to John and Rena (Beullard) Van Heerde in Chester, SD. After graduation from Franklin High School in SD, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. Upon leaving the service, he went to work for Scott’s Bluff as a police officer.

Jim was a man of faith and a member of the Coldwater Church of the Nazarene, where he also volunteered. He was an avid sports fan of many teams. Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was an honorable, caring, loyal, and wonderful man. He will be missed by many.

Mr. Van Heerde is survived by his wife Phyllis Van Heerde of Coldwater; his children James (Crystal) Vanheerde of Hillsdale, Troy (Andrea) Van Heerde of Ypsilanti, Joseph (Rebecca) Bilby of Orange City, IA, Jennifer (Steve) Smith of Coldwater, Stacie Persails of Coldwater, and Lisa Thimlar of Coldwater; his sister Tina Vande Plaats of Colton, SD; 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; and his special dog “Samantha”. He was preceded in death by parents; his brother Edward Van Heerde; his sisters Joan Burke, Shirley Ketterling, and Margaret Backker; his daughter Melissa Van Heerde.

Memorials may be directed to the family. www.dutcherfh.com