James D. Vanstratt

James D. "Jim" VanStratt, 73, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family October 16, 2022 after a long, courageous battle with heart disease.

Jim was born June 13, 1949 in Battle Creek, Michigan to loving parents, Austin and Kathryn VanStratt. The family moved to Traverse City from Jackson where he had many fond childhood memories. He attended and graduated from Traverse City Central High School, briefly attended Northwestern Michigan University and later received a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in Business Administration. In the summer of their college senior year, he met Jill Ameel and they were married at Immaculate Conception in Traverse City on September 11,1971.

As a young man, Jim worked for Hospitality Hosts, Dick Smith & Co. Real Estate and Abbott Labs. He later formed VanStratt Appraisal LLC working as a certified appraiser until his retirement.

His school years were spent in leadership, sports and music, singing in school musicals and choirs. A fond memory was singing and playing the drums in a popular Northern Michigan band, The Rainmakers. He continued drumming lifelong. Jim was a gifted athlete playing baseball, football and basketball for the Trojans. As a dad, he coached little league baseball, soccer and St. Francis basketball. In later years, he would run, play doubles tennis, golf, bike, and travel. Boating made a day perfect. All said, staying active with his family and friends was pure enjoyment for him.

As a skillful cook, he cherished gathering over gourmet meals. Being a techie, he helped all frustrated friends and family with their technology conundrums. He built stereos and computers for the challenge of the puzzle and learned complex flight simulation. There wasn't any home project too daunting. Most of all, his favorite pastime was walking his beloved Golden Retrievers on the trails.

Jim will be remembered as a gentleman, a quick-witted, big-hearted man with a ready smile and a "Bear" hug.

Jim lives on in those he loved and who loved him; his wife of 51years, Jill; sons, Mac (Heather) and Nick (Kristin); his grandchildren Grace, Austin, Isla and Hayden; brother Russ (Lucy) and nephews Jason and Zachary; in- laws, Chris, Tim, Sally, Jeff, Eric, Mark, Brian, Peggy, Ross and their spouses and amazing children he cherished; cousins; and countless friends.

The family wishes to thank Team VanStratt; Drs. William Smith, Brian Ameel, John Stanifer, Dino Rechia, John Coatney, Elizabeth Elliot, Mary Verardi, and Roman Barraza, PA Andre Lawrin, Kathy Topp, Chris Ameel, and Munson Hospice nurses, especially Patti Hresko, Angie Schaub and caregiver, Donna, and friends for their ever-present and compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park, November 9, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. A visitation and light repast will follow the memorial service.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in honor of Jim, please consider the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Munson Hospice Foundation/ Munson Hospice House.

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

"But most of all there will be love, the kind that never ends."