James A. “Jimmy” Van Dusen, 79, of Southaven, MS, passed away Friday October 26, 2018 at his home. The family will receive friends Tuesday October 30, 2018 from Noon until 2pm with the funeral service immediately following at 2pm, all at Longview Heights Baptist Church. Interment with military honors will follow in DeSoto Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Mr. Van Dusen was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served his country honorably. A retired electrician with American Electrical Contractors, Mr. Van Dusen lived a very full and storied life. He was once a boxer with the City of Memphis Boxing Club and was a captain with the Southaven Fire Department and also served on Southaven EMS. He was an Eagle Scout and a Scout Master and served as the president of the Greenbrook Baseball Association. Mr. Van Dusen was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the simple pleasures of life.
Mr. Van Dusen loved the Lord with all his heart and was a dedicated member of Longview Heights Baptist Church. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many and always made sure his children were active and could play sports. His son Ronnie said that his father was “A father and best friend to me.” His daughter, Renee, recalls her dad’s favorite quote as “Don’t worry about it.” A true family man and valued friend, Mr. Van Dusen will be remembered as a mentor to all who was always there for those who had no one else.
Mr. Van Dusen was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Van Dusen, his son, Randall Van Dusen, and his granddaughter, Natalie Stovall Frady. He is survived by his son, Ronnie Van Dusen, his daughter, Renee Crawford (Ron), his step-daughter, Betty Anglin, three sisters, Elizabeth Whitsitt, Nancy Marshall, and Delores Norton, three grandchildren, Kelsey Van Dusen, Kassie Keough (Jody), and Justin Crawford (Jana), as well as eleven great-grandchildren, Landon Crowe, Kailee Keough, Kaden Keough, Ryne Keough, Alyssa Crawford, Jack Crawford, Jace Crawford, Austin Crawford, Blake Gilliand, Walker Stovall, and Will Frady, and one grandson-in-law, Howard Frady. Brantley Funeral Home of Olive Branch has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.brantleyfuneral.com.
