James A Vanhouten

Age 76, was born June 15, 1937 in Elmira, the son of the late Willis D. and Louise (Paulman) VanHouten passed away very unexpectedly on Saturday, March 22, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Richard D. and Harry VanHouten and grandson, Dustin Lea Foster. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Eula (Clark) "Bonnie"; beloved children, James A. "Jimbo" VanHouten Jr. of Southport, NY; Vickie VanHouten (fiancée Jim Burnham) of Pine City, NY; Sherrie VanHouten (Walter Decker) of Southport, NY; Michelle (Scott) Cartwright of Southport, NY. Jim was "Poppy" to his grandchildren, Brent Travis, Michael Travis, Renee Travis-Shevenko and James VanHouten III; Beth Ann Foster, Katlyn VanHouten and Megan VanHouten; Chaneil VanHouten and Zachary VanHouten; Aleah Cartwright and Andrew Cartwright (fiancée Katy Parker); 14 great grandchildren; brothers, George (Val) VanHouten and Wayne (Robin) VanHouten; sister, Lorraine (Jim) VanHorn; along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend, Gerald Strong and his German Shepherd, "Argus". Jim retired from St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery as co-superintendant after 54 years of dedicated service. He was also known for having a green thumb as he planted many of the trees in the cemetery. He was a member of the NRA and the Southern Tier Canine Training Club. Jim was an avid hunter and outdoorsman but spending time with his family was most important to him. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 from5:00 to 8:00 PM. A Time of Remembrance will follow the visitation at 8 PM. Jim's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com