In Memory Of
James Robert Vanleeuwen, Jr.
1945
2018
James Robert Vanleeuwen, Jr.
March 6, 1945 — January 22, 2018
James Robert VanLeeuwen, Jr., age 72 of Orlando, passed away at his residence on Monday, January 22, 2018. He was born in Norwood, MA to James Robert VanLeeuwen, Sr. and Eleanor Mae Stewart VanLeeuwen.
James was an avid pilot and served his country in the United State Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel after 21 years of service. Following his distinguished career with the United States Air Force, Jim continued his lifelong love of aviation with Gulfstream Aerospace as a pilot for 18 years. Upon retiring from Gulfstream he continued his flying career as a corporate pilot for philanthropist J.B. Kroc of the McDonald's Corporation until 2003. Jim continued flying as a private pilot for various clients around the world. He retired to Orlando, Florida in 2011. Jim's love affair with aviation continued throughout his entire life. He was always happiest at the controls of a plane high above the clouds. All who knew him enjoyed his many stories about his travels and the people he met around the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathleen Harwood. He is survived by his sisters, Eileen Lozzi, Patricia LaChapelle, and Judith Mutchler. Jim is also survived by his much loved cat, Cooper, whom he adopted after retiring to Florida.
Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
To leave a condolence message for the family, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.
James was an avid pilot and served his country in the United State Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel after 21 years of service. Following his distinguished career with the United States Air Force, Jim continued his lifelong love of aviation with Gulfstream Aerospace as a pilot for 18 years. Upon retiring from Gulfstream he continued his flying career as a corporate pilot for philanthropist J.B. Kroc of the McDonald's Corporation until 2003. Jim continued flying as a private pilot for various clients around the world. He retired to Orlando, Florida in 2011. Jim's love affair with aviation continued throughout his entire life. He was always happiest at the controls of a plane high above the clouds. All who knew him enjoyed his many stories about his travels and the people he met around the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathleen Harwood. He is survived by his sisters, Eileen Lozzi, Patricia LaChapelle, and Judith Mutchler. Jim is also survived by his much loved cat, Cooper, whom he adopted after retiring to Florida.
Inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
To leave a condolence message for the family, please click on the "Share Memories" button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Robert Vanleeuwen, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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