James J. Van Hare, MD
May 3, 1930 – October 22, 2021
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.
Obituary
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 6166th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and the 11th and 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons and worked his way through the ranks to become a 1st 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.
I liked Jim real well. Always friendly when we met. You will be missed greatly.
I had the distinct honor of working with Dr VanHare for a few years, practicing in-home medicine. As a fellow USAF Veteran, we shared many stories & memories of our military service. He was a GREAT ‘Boss’/Supervising Physician. He had an immense knowledge of medicine and was always willing to share some of that knowledge. His patients not only respected him, but also loved the care that he provided. It was a true honor & privilege to work with him. I know that I am a much better provider because of what I learned from him. I salute him for his service to our Country, as well as for his medical service to so very many patients.
I knew Dr.Van Hare years ago. He was a very good, caring man. I’m sure all your memories Will bring you many good thoughts and peace. Rest In Peace Dr. Van Hare
You were a great Farfar (grandfather) and we will miss you a lot. Fly high! ❤️
Dr. VanHare was our childrens’s general physician. He came to the hospital after our first baby girl was born to perform the routine newborn check. He was so special and caring. Told us how beautiful she was! He gave us confidence as new parents! He became the physician to all of our three children. We were so blessed to have him walk with us through parenthood by caring and nurturing their health and development. We were so blessed to have known him and trust him. May your memories remain in your hearts. Blessings on you.
Dear Joann and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Jim. May the laughter, love and the many adventures you shared bring a smile and healing to your hurting hearts. Fly free, Jim! Chris Preston
Dr. Jim, as we affectionately named him, will be missed. He brought so much joy to our family and traditions. I always joked with him that he “still had time to do something with his life”, as he was a man with so many achievements. It is even safe to say that he saved my life. I will miss the gentle wink he gave to anyone who knew he was joking :)) We are so blessed to have had him in our lives.
Dr VanHare was a very special friend and doctor to our whole family. My husband Dave cut Jim’s hair for many years. We were invited to his 70 Birthday dinner at Chicken Charlies. What a great time we had. JoAnn you were a very special wife to Jim. We met you at Applebees. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Jim’s family. “Praying without ceasing” Love Carol Scheffers