//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Died Sunday morning, June 2, 2019. James was born May 24, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan a son of Kobe and Henrietta (Van Dyke) Vander Molen. He had been a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident and was employed with General Motors for over 20 years, retiring in 1991. James was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Abe and William "Bill" Vander Molen; and a sister, Esther Vander Molen. On March 2, 1979, he was united in marriage to Nancy R. (Forbes) Vander Molen who survives. Also surviving, 2 daughters, Sandra Reist of Comstock and Connie (Rick) Jones of Comstock; a grandson, Nicholas Reist; a sister, Annetta Pearson of Kalamazoo; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are step-children, Thomas Patterson, Karen (Gary) Gruss, Michael Patterson, Susan Mendocha and Joseph Patterson; 6 step-grandchildren; and a step-son-in-law. Jim was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Laura Kinne. A memorial service will be held 2:00 o'clock Wednesday from the Langeland Comstock Chapel, 6121 King Hwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Pastor Jon Gruss will officiate. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or to Rose Arbor Hospice Care. Please visit James' personalized webpage for directions, online guestbook, or to leave a condolence. https://www.langelands.com.