James R. Vander Molen

Died Sunday morning, June 2, 2019. James was born May 24, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan a son of Kobe and Henrietta (Van Dyke) Vander Molen. He had been a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident and was employed with General Motors for over 20 years, retiring in 1991. James was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Abe and William "Bill" Vander Molen; and a sister, Esther Vander Molen. On March 2, 1979, he was united in marriage to Nancy R. (Forbes) Vander Molen who survives. Also surviving, 2 daughters, Sandra Reist of Comstock and Connie (Rick) Jones of Comstock; a grandson, Nicholas Reist; a sister, Annetta Pearson of Kalamazoo; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are step-children, Thomas Patterson, Karen (Gary) Gruss, Michael Patterson, Susan Mendocha and Joseph Patterson; 6 step-grandchildren, Jon (Elisa) Gruss, Harry Kinne IV, Benjamin Kinne, Kaitlin Mendocha, Jessica Patterson and Lauren Patterson; and a step-son-in-law, Harry "Chip" Kinne III. Jim was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Laura Kinne. A memorial service will be held 2:00 o'clock Wednesday from the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 6121 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Pastor Jon Gruss will officiate. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or to Rose Arbor Hospice Care.