1953
James
2025
James Van Hauen
January 12, 1953 — July 27, 2025
James Robert Van Hauen, lovingly known as "Jim" or "Big Foot," passed away on July 27, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on January 12, 1953, Jim was the beloved son of Donald Van Hauen and Eloise Welsh Van Hauen.
On July 8, 1974, Jim married the love of his life after a whirlwind romance. Together, they shared over 50 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.
Jim was a lifelong truck driver, spending over 40 years on the road behind the wheel of semis. Though his work often took him away from home, when he was home, he was fully present—devoted, and deeply loved by all who knew him. A true homebody at heart, Jim found joy in simple pleasures. He loved building and flying model airplanes, racing remote-controlled cars with his son, and lending a helping hand whenever he could. He had a heart as big as his nickname suggested, a gentle soul and a "giant teddy bear" to those around him. Jim also had a special affection for his prized 1978 bright orange El Camino. He would occasionally race at Byron Dragstrip.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Van Hauen; daughter Tammy (Mark) Van Hauen-Atherton; grandson Dominic Van Hauen. Siblings Jerry (Brenda) Van Hauen; Donita Pearson; Debbie Carter: Jan Myers; and Edward (Renee) Van Hauen. Numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews; his beloved dog Buddy. The family would like to give a special thanks to his sisters and brothers. He is preceded in death by his son Matthew Van Hauen; brother Dennis Van Hauen and his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11am to 2pm on Saturday August 9th, 2025, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 3829 11th St, Rockford, IL 61109. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www statelinecremations.com
Jim was a lifelong truck driver, spending over 40 years on the road behind the wheel of semis. Though his work often took him away from home, when he was home, he was fully present—devoted, and deeply loved by all who knew him. A true homebody at heart, Jim found joy in simple pleasures. He loved building and flying model airplanes, racing remote-controlled cars with his son, and lending a helping hand whenever he could. He had a heart as big as his nickname suggested, a gentle soul and a "giant teddy bear" to those around him. Jim also had a special affection for his prized 1978 bright orange El Camino. He would occasionally race at Byron Dragstrip.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Van Hauen; daughter Tammy (Mark) Van Hauen-Atherton; grandson Dominic Van Hauen. Siblings Jerry (Brenda) Van Hauen; Donita Pearson; Debbie Carter: Jan Myers; and Edward (Renee) Van Hauen. Numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews; his beloved dog Buddy. The family would like to give a special thanks to his sisters and brothers. He is preceded in death by his son Matthew Van Hauen; brother Dennis Van Hauen and his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11am to 2pm on Saturday August 9th, 2025, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 3829 11th St, Rockford, IL 61109. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Van Hauen, please visit our flower store.
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