James B. Van Leeuwen

James "Jim" Van Leeuwen, 80, of Parsons, died at 10:15 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 18, 1937 in Ft. Scott, Kansas to Andrew and Lorene (Smith) Van Leeuwen.  Jim grew up on a farm outside of St. Paul, Kansas, with his two brothers, Gary and Ed Van Leeuwen.

After graduation from St. Paul High School, he joined the United States Navy and served in Guam for two years.  Following his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Kansas, taught himself how to build homes and started his company, Van Leeuwen Construction.

For nearly 45 years, Jim built custom homes and light commercial buildings throughout southeast Kansas.  A few notable construction projects were the development of Prairie West in Parsons, the First Christian Church in Erie, Erie City Library, St. Ambrose Catholic Church Hall and the Erie Senior Citizens Home.  He was so well regarded, the First Christian Church gave him a gift of an antique level with the inscription, "To a builder who is on the level."

Jim married Jane Miller on August 6, 1960 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parsons.  They raised cattle, crops, and children on a farm outside of Erie.  Throughout his life, he was an active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Erie, served on the Pastoral Council, and was a Eucharistic Minister.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include:

Wife – Jane of the home

Mother – Lorene Van Leeuwen of St. Paul, KS

Children – Linda Peterson of Sarasota, Florida; Lisa London (Skip) of Sanford, North Carolina; Daniel Van Leeuwen (Sonya) of Erie; Cheryl Van Leeuwen (Ken) of Castroville, Texas; and Katrina Villarreal (Rudy) of Round Rock, Texas

16 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Two brothers – Gary Van Leeuwen of St. Paul, KS

Edward Van Leeuwen of Belton, MO

He was preceded in death by his father.

The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends following the rosary. Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2017 at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul.

Family burial will be at a later time at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Curious Minds Children's Museum Building fund.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.