James 'Jim' Taylor Van Pelt

DanvilleJames "Jim" Taylor Van Pelt, 81, of Danville, passed away on Tuesday, March 31st at the VA Hospital in Danville, surrounded by family. He is now reunited with his wife Carolyn Van Pelt, who preceded him in death in November 2014. Jim was born on August 18, 1933 in Warren County, Indiana to Ora and Dorothy Van Pelt. He graduated from Covington High School in 1951. During the Korean War, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Guam. On April 8, 1956, he married Carolyn at Benson Chapel in Covington, Indiana. As a proud member of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Jim epitomized the “Midwestern work ethic” and was a strong labor union supporter, retiring from Teepak in 1995 after working there for 30 years. Jim loved to talk about everythingpolitics, weather, current events, his petswith anyone. He also possessed a fun, competitive spirit, especially when it came to euchre, canasta, or any other card games. At the same time, he had a laid-back personality and a subtle (and sometimes unintentional) sense of humor that could leave a room in stitches. Despite living in Illinois for most of his life, Jim always considered himself a Hoosier and was an avid fan of Covington High School and IU basketball. He was also a Chicago Cubs fanatic and, true to his optimistic outlook on life, always had confidence that they would eventually win the World Series. Jim loved nature and the outdoors and was a skilled fisherman. He knew the best places in the Wabash River to catch catfish, some of which were larger than his grandchildren. He was also an exceptional mushroom hunter who knew the best times and locations in Illiana to find morel mushrooms. Luckily for his family, he imparted this wisdom to them before he left. Like his wife, Carolyn, he showed kindness to everyone he encountered and always offered to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and volunteered his time at Meals on Wheels and his grandchildrens 4-H Club. He was also a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias. Wherever he went, he quickly became friends with anyone he met. Above all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling to see his family that lived in Chicago and Washington, D.C. and spending Sunday afternoons watching sports or movies at his daughters house after church. He was his childrens and grandchildrens biggest fan and cheered them on in all their activities. His family and friends will deeply miss his company, love, and kindness. Survivors include his two daughters, Jane (Les) Woodrum of Danville, Illinois and Nancy (Brian) Whipp of Herndon, Virginia; one brother, Donald Van Pelt of Danville, Illinois; one sister, Marjorie Glover of Covington, Indiana; four grandchildren, Ashley (Jim) Desmond, Dallas Woodrum, Jack Whipp, and Aidan Whipp; and one great-grandchild, Alexander Desmond. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his mother, Dorothy; and his father, Ora. Visitation for Jim will be at 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 3 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at First Presbyterian Church of Danville, with Rev. Jimmy Hopper officiating. Memorials in Jims name can be made to First Presbyterian Church or CRIS Meals on Wheels.