Obituary of James Henry Van Nuland

James "Jim" Henry Van Nuland, 87, of Little Chute, and Tigerton Wisconsin, passed away on September 30, 2023, in Folsom, California. Born on September 14, 1936, Jim was the eldest son of the late Jacob and Verna Van Nuland.

Jim had a fulfilling life and left behind a loving family. He is survived by his sons Patrick, Raymond, Thomas, and Michael, and his "Favorite Daughter," Barbara. His sisters Joan and Rosemary are also blessedly still with us. Jim was gifted with 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and countless fans and friends who gravitated toward his kindness, and some would say, innocence. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Florence-Anna, who passed away in 2004.

After completing high school in 1954, Jim proudly served in the US Navy for 3 years, completing 2 scientific tours to Antarctica, and mapping the ocean floor east of Florida, over which all of NASA’s rockets would eventually take off.

Following his military service, Jim enrolled at Marquette University to study Electrical Engineering but was in the end, "drafted" by IBM to become a Programmer where he dedicated 25 years of his life, earning a 30-year credited early retirement. His expertise and hard work had a significant impact on the company, even to this day. He was one of the first “civilians” with a personal computer during the ‘70s, and instilled the “tech-bug” in his kids as early as he could.

It was early in college when he double-dated with his sister, and her date and met Florence, -whom he was then forever enamored with, married, and had 5 children. 2 born in Wisconsin, 2 in Southern California, and saving the “best” one, born last in San Jose California, where he lived since 1966.

In his free time, Jim pursued his passion for astronomy and spent many hours sharing his knowledge as a 40-year member of the San Jose Amateur Astronomy Association, with over an estimated 100,000 children over the decades. He was a curious man who found joy in exploring the wonders of the universe and sharing it with everyone.
He claimed he was "Paid with wows" when asked about any compensation for his tireless efforts.
 -He was paid well. May he rest in peace, and his skies be always clear.

Jim's faith played an important role in his life, sending his children to Catholic schools, and was a long-time member of Saint Lucy's Catholic Church.

Services for Jim Van Nuland will be October 23, 2023, at 1 p.m. St. Lucy's Catholic Church 2350 S Winchester Blvd Campbell, CA 95008 with a reception to follow at Houge Park, Building One Twilight Dr & White Oaks Ave San Jose, CA 95124.