Vincent James “Jim” Van Loo, 88, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Benton House, Blue Springs, MO.
Jim was born November 13, 1933 in Clinton, IA, the son of Anthony Henry Van Loo and Mary Rosalie McAllister. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1951 and was united in marriage to his beautiful wife Ruth Ann Thornton on June 30, 1956, in Clinton, IA. Jim served proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration after over 30 years of service as an Air Traffic Controller. Jim was an Aviation Enthusiast; Jim held a commercial pilots license and had over sixty years of Model Airplane crafting. Jim participated in National Model Airplane competitions as early as 1962 with his first competition at age 14. Jim went on to become the president of the International Miniature Aircraft Association and established an aircraft development and design company, R/C Extra’s, with his wife Ruth Ann. The couple travelled the world over participating and promoting model aviation, they just loved it.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ruth Ann Van Loo of Blue Springs, MO, his daughter, June Marie Van Loo and her children Chad (Sarah) Thacker, Brian (Melissa) Thacker and Abby (Landis) Wheeler his son, Keith Van Loo and wife Laurie and their children Kyle (Alex Sweterlitsch) Van Loo, Lisa (Jessie White) Van Loo and Lauren (Bryce McCloskey) Van Loo. Jim has seven great-grandchildren Sebastian, Ciara, Ayden, Morgan, Harmony, Harper and Daniel, as well as his step-sister, Linda Casey.
As per Jim’s wishes, he was cremated. Visitation for Mr. and Mrs. Van Loo will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 64015. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1105 LaMetta Wynn Drive, Clinton, IA 52732, with burial at St. Irenaeus Cemetery, Clinton, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory are suggested to St. John La Lande Catholic Church, St. John LaLande Catholic Church – Catholic Parish (stjohnlalande.com).
