VAN HARE, James J., MD

Kalamazoo

Age 91, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021. Dr. Van Hare was born in Valley Stream, New York on May 3, 1930, the son of the late George F. and Anna P. (Kuckler) Van Hare. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1948 and then studied interior and industrial design at Pratt Institute School of Art, before going on to attend Michigan State University for pre-med studies and graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1965. Dr. Van Hare served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the 6166^th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and the 11^th and 12^th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons and worked his way through the ranks to become a 1^st Lieutenant, serving as navigator on many missions. Dr. Van Hare opened his first medical practice in 1966 and cared for many of his patients from birth through adulthood and then went on to care for their children and grandchildren. He was well-loved by his patients and committed himself to saving lives. Dr. Van Hare practiced medicine up to the last year of his life and in the end during the COVID-19 Pandemic, continued to see patients via phone conferences. He was a life-time member of the American Legion and the VFW. He is survived by his wife, Joann (Haverkamp) Van Hare; sons, John (Deb) and Thomas Van Hare; grandchildren, Mark (Tiff), Jeffrey, Brandon (Shannon), Holly, Nathan, Cameron, Amelia and Johan Van Hare; step-children; Robyn Clark, Resa Williams, Mark Johnson, Lisa Fender, Craig Johnson, Scott Johnson, Sarah Gray, David Gray and Laurel Gray; former wives, Marilyn (Geffen) Van Hare and Lewellyn (Gray) Van Hare; several great-grandchildren and many step-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Dr. Van Hare was preceded in death by his long-time love and partner, Joyce (Hoversten) Johnson and his brothers, George F., Jr. and Robert E. Van Hare. A committal service with full military honors will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 3:00 PM (those planning to attend should gather in the “funeral assembly” area by 2:45 PM) followed by a celebration of Dr. Van Hare’s beginning at 4:30 PM at The Village of Stonehenge Condominium Clubhouse, 2500 Bluestone Circle, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 49 or Wounded Warrior Project.