James Andrew Vander Stoep
Family, faith, law and justice, friends, Chehalis, fishing, hunting, Washington State University, dogs, clamming, tennis, Rotary, cards and dominoes - these have been enduring loves of James Andrew Vander Stoep through his nearly 89 years of life. Born on May 14, 1925, Jim passed away on March 8, 2014.
Jim and his family-parents, Dirk Hendrick and Marion Vander Stoep and sister, Jean - moved from Iowa to Lynden, Wash. in 1929. After graduating from Lynden High School in 1942, Jim enrolled at Washington State College. In 1943, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and following Officer Training, became an ensign and served in Japan following the end of WW II. In 1946, he returned to WSC, completed his bachelors degree and became engaged to marry Margaret Sue (Suzi) Hayne.
Jim entered University of Oregon Law School in 1947. Jim and Suzi were married in Longview, Wash. on June 20, 1948. After law school, Jim and Suzi chose Chehalis where he was hired by the law firm of Hull & Armstrong. Jim and Suzi believed their marriage was a match made in heaven, as was their match with Chehalis, Westminster Presbyterian Church and this law firm. Jim practiced law for 53 years and was a member and past president of Lewis County Bar Association. Other accolades in Jim’s law career included Board of Governors (1985-1988) and then president of Washington State Bar Association (1989-1990), membership in American College of Trial Lawyers (state chairman, 1992-93). He was a life member of Fellows of American Bar Foundation.
An active citizen, Jim was past president of Chehalis Rotary Club, first chairman of Chehalis swimming pool, co-founder of Chehalis Little League, chairman of Lewis County Republican Club. He actively supported Chehalis schools and tennis, Pacific N.W. Chamber Orchestra, Lewis County Community Concerts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and Vernetta Smith Public Library.
A faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church since 1950, Jim was an ordained elder. The congregation of WPC has been Jim and Suzi’s second family and their constancy and support has been a source of great comfort and strength.
Annual vacations to Orcas Island began with Jim and Suzi’s honeymoon. Fishing in Alaska and clamming in the Queen Charlotte Islands were highlights of each year. With his faithful springer spaniels, Jim loved hunting pheasants in the fall. He enthusiastically shared these adventures with family and many dear friends.
Above all, Jim Vander Stoep was a family man. His granddaughter, Brook, recently gave birth to a son whose middle name is James. She wrote to Jim, We would be so happy if, in giving him your name and having him learn all about his great-grandpa, he could grow up with your honesty, kindness, humor, charm, loyalty, work ethic, and great capacity for love as a guide.
Jim is survived by his treasured wife of nearly 66 years, Suzi; and by daughters, Ann Vander Stoep of Seattle, Johanna Vander Stoep (Eric Cederwall) of Bainbridge Island and J. Vander Stoep (E. Ann Vander Stoep) of Chehalis; six beloved grandchildren, Brook Barajas (Jose Barajas), Roxie Hunt (Jonathan Mobley), Jack Hunt (Tenah Acquaye), Bryn Vander Stoep, Beth Vander Stoep, Isabel Vander Stoep; and by three great-grandchildren, Marley Mae, Selah Sparrow and Sebastian James. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jack Hayne; and by nieces and nephews, Becky, Greg, Grant, Corey, Mary, John, Alice and Nancy.
A man of impeccable ethics, strong faith and boundless kindness, he was beloved and will be sorely missed by many. Still, we are blessed to have walked this earth with him. He lives on in our hearts, inspires our actions and we know he rests in peace.
Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Westminster Presbyterian Church (P.O. Box 710, Chehalis, WA 98532), University of Livingstonia Foundation (P.O. Box 9276, Silver Springs, MD 20916), or Chehalis Foundation (PO Box 1608, Chehalis, WA 98532).
