James R. Van Natta

James R. van Natta passed on April 11, 2026, at the age of 77, following a challenging battle with Parkinson's Disease resulting from agent orange while serving in VietNam. Born on June 12, 1948, in Sycamore, IL, James lived in Fort Myers, Florida.

He was born June 12, 1948 in Sycamore, Ill. The son of Carol J. and Paul V. Van Natta. He attended Sycamore Schools and graduated from Sycamore High School in 1966. He was very active in Scouting, advancing into Explorers, and became an Eagle Scout. A VietNam Veteran, he served in the United States Air Force, and was a Munitions Specialist serving in Da Nang, VietNam from 1969-1970. He attended the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute, and graduated from the Homicide Investigation School. He attended Ball State University, and the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, III. Graduating in 1972. He joined his parents in operating the Van Natta Funeral Home in Sycamore, and later went into partnership with them. Not being fond of the cold weather, in 1985 when his parents wished to retire, they jointly decided to sell the funeral home. Michael and Janice Butala took over complete operation in January, 1986. He then relocated to the Clearwater/St. Pete area in Florida. In 1991, he moved to Ft. Myers after accepting a Management/Funeral Director offer from S.C.l.

Funeral Service of Florida, Inc. He retired in 2013. He was an avid life long boater, living aboard his own vessel for several yrs. He loved the warm weather, water, beaches, and sunshine, and friends often teased him that he was the first to complain if the temperature dropped below 70 degrees. He was very active in many organizations in Illinois and Florida, including the V.F.W.,Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and Shriners.

He was preceded in death by his parents

Survived by sister Jane White, nieces Emily Butler, Katie Petro

Interment next to his parents in Elmwood Cemetery, with Military Honors