James Milan "Jim" VanKleeck

James Milan “Jim” VanKleeck passed away unexpectedly on May 25 2010. Jim was the son of Milan and Arlene Van Kleeck of Littleton.

An adventurous cook, an unlimited source of knowledge and a "jack of all trades," he will be missed dearly and completely by his family and friends.

In 1997, Jim moved from the Midwest to Kenmore, Wash., and was employed by Goodrich Aerospace, retiring at the end of 2008. It had to be a very rough day for him to reply anything other than “excellent,” when asked how he was doing. He enjoyed collecting vintage toy vehicles and watching golf and bull riding on TV.

He is survived by his parents, Milan (Mike) and Arlene VanKleeck; his daughters, Corinne, Stacey and Laurie; his granddaughter, Darian Selby; sisters Sherry, Sandy (Dave), Sue (Dave), Kathie (Jimmy) and Linda (Lee); and seven nieces and seven nephews.

Jim was born in New Hampton, Iowa, and held alumni status from Immaculate Conception High School in Charles City, Iowa, class of 1964.

Having served his country 15 years in the U.S. Navy, ending with rank of chief petty officer, Jim will receive an honor guard burial ceremony at the Tahoma National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. June 4.