James "Jim" G. Van Roo, 62, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at The Kathy Hospice of West Bend surrounded by his family. He was born on May 21, 1951 in Milwaukee to Elaine (nee Meyer) and Donald Van Roo. He graduated from Custer High School Class of 1969 and served in the Army Reserves from 1969 – 1975. He retired from West Bend Water Utility. Jim married Karen (nee Esselman) on June 13, 2003. He loved to golf, fish, hunt, and spend time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Van Roo; children, Dan (Lisa) of Glendale, AZ, Julie (Eric) Popple of San Tan Valley, AZ, Michael (Tina) of West Bend, and Emily (Peter) Gutschenritter of Rubicon; grandchildren; Jordan, Hailee, Jake, Skylar, Justin, Allison, Payton, Jacob, Louis, Megan, Camden, and Mitchell; mother, Elaine; brothers, Rick (Gloria), Mike (Lynn), and Tom; brothers-in-law, Gordon Esselman, Melvin (Jane) Esselman, Roger Esselman,; sister-in-law, Marlene (Jim) Yoost; and his special dog, Molly. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 12:00 PM at the Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W Paradise Drive, West Bend) with Deacon Mark Jansen presiding. The visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 21st from 9:00 AM until the time of service at noon. Private inurnment of cremains will take place at Washington County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kathy Hospice (St. Joseph's Community Foundation, 3200 Pleasant Valley Rd, West Bend, WI 53095).

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. H. Krouwer and his wonderful staff at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, the special angels at Kathy Hospice who cared for Jim and our friends and family that supported us during this difficult time.