James Anthony Van Detta

On January 19, 2025, James Anthony Van Detta passed away in his home in Perry Hall, Maryland at the age of eighty-three. He survived by his loving wife, Jean Van Detta, with whom he was married for 58 years. In addition to his wife of five-plus decades, Jim was the devoted father of two children, James Eric Van Detta and his wife Gina of Bel Air, Maryland and Michele Lanasa (Charles Davies) of Millville, DE. He was the beloved grandfather of four grandchildren, Courtney Long (Zachary Long), Ally Lanasa, Joseph Van Detta and Matthew Van Detta. Jim is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mildred Van Detta and sister Janice Rufe.

Prior to his retirement in 2005, Jim spent 43 years with Westinghouse/Northrup Gruman Corporation as a Senior Pricing and Estimating Analyst and Manager of Pricing. Additionally, Jim served his country as a member of the Maryland National Guard and was a graduate of Towson State University with a degree in business and psychology.

Jim and his wife moved to Perry Hall, Maryland, in 1997 after spending 25 years in Rosedale, Maryland where they raised their children. He was an avid Maryland Terps basketball fan and enjoyed attending NCAA March Madness play-off games. He also adored the Baltimore Colts and Orioles and spent his weekend afternoons watching his favorite teams.

It was his biggest pleasure to spend time and spoiling his grandchildren, especially on summer vacations at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Schimunek Funeral Home, Inc., 9705 Belair RD, Nottingham, MD 21236, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the St. Issac Jogues Church, 9215 Old Harford RD, Parkville, MD 21234 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James` name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105, or at www.stjude.org.