James “Jim” D. Van Doorn of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 27, 2026 from natural causes at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris (nee Pflaum) Van Doorn, whom he met outside the library of Dondero High School when they were 15 years old. Jim is also survived by his loving son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Dorothy (nee McMaster) Van Doorn of Berkley, Michigan, and by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Michael Myers of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Jim was a fun and loving grandfather to three girls – Ellyn (Matt) Roberts, Adrienna “Addie” Myers, and Brianna (John) Molloy. He was excited and proud of his great-granddaughter Parker Molloy. He is also survived by his brother Bruce (Lillian) Van Doorn, Valerie (the late Larry) Bliss, and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind not only his biological family but by those he thought of fondly as extended family: Rudi and Yvonne van Kesteren of Abbenes, North Holland, The Netherlands, John Voorhees of Bradenton, Florida, and Melody McCrindle of Rochester, Michigan, who brought immense joy, support, and laughter to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Van Doorn and Bernice (nee Baker) Van Doorn Knapp.
Jim graduated from Royal Oak Dondero High School in 1960 and earned his B.A. in 1972 from Wayne State University with a degree in Speech and Mass Communications. He spent most of his career at General Motors in materials management, car distribution, and product engineering as a technical writer until retirement in 1999. After retirement, Jim volunteered at Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit and served as president of Friends of the Paint Creek Trail. For many years, he enjoyed portraying “Santa” at Pontiac Motors, Gilda’s Club, and in his neighborhood, bringing joy to children and adults, some of whom were fighting serious or terminal diagnoses. Jim loved to be in the sun at a beach or pool, often given the nickname “Tan Man” and “GQ Jim”. He and Doris enjoyed winters in Siesta Key Beach and Bradenton, Florida for many years. They also loved traveling together out west, in Canada, the Netherlands, the Caribbean and many other wonderful places in the U.S.
Jim was a friend to all and would always impart his wisdom on his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite phrases was that “Strangers are only friends you haven’t met yet!”. He was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. He loved to brag about his kids and grandkids, especially the musical talents of his son Jason, and Kristen’s personal and professional accomplishments. He loved spoiling his granddaughters and being a present and active “Papa” since they were born.
No services will be held. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Rochester Area Neighborhood House (https://www.ranh.org/) or All About Animals Rescue (https://allaboutanimalsrescue.org/), to reflect his love for people and animals.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to the owners and caretakers of “A Loving Heart” AFC in Rochester Hills, and his care team at St. Croix Hospice, for their love and supportive care during the past two and a half years.
