Obituary: Van Curler, James Allen
Age 57
Jim’s faith in Christ, love for others, tenacity for living and his kind and patient spirit defines the life Jim lived.
Jim was born on October 31, 1957 afflicted with cerebral palsy.
He faced the many challenges the disorder brought on throughout his life with courage and grace.
During periods of loneliness and physical and emotional pain, Jim’s enduring faith in Jesus gave him the strength and hope to press on.
There was no bigger sports fan than Jim and he supported local teams as well as regional teams.
He attended local sporting events such as the Spokane Chiefs and Spokane Indians when he had the opportunity.
He also was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks and loved watching and listening to their games.
Jim enjoyed listening to Contemporary Christian Music, especially the talents of Michael W. Smith.
Jim relished helping others and never hesitated be of aid to others with disabilities.
The activities Jim cherished most involved being around children.
He volunteered to read and be read to at schools and child care facilities.
It was a joy to see children’s faces light up when they saw him coming.
Jim touched many hearts during his life and will be dearly missed.
Jim spent most of his adult life at Merry Glen Residential Home where he made many treasured friends over the years.
The family is very grateful to all of Jim’s teachers, caregivers and friends who shared their time, compassion and love.
A special thank you to the TEAM at LIFE INC. who cared for Jim during the most emotionally and medically fragile time in his life.
They embraced him like family and showered him with love.
Those whose hearts truly have a calling to care for the disabled deserve our sincere respect and gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Paula Van Curler and brother John Van Curler.
He is survived by siblings Marie (Mike Haggerty), Don (Ayako), Jeff, Ron (Trish), and Carolyn (Drew Rhimer).
There will be a memorial service at Calvary Chapel in the Spokane Valley (16409 E. Broadway) on Saturday September 5th at 10:30a.m.
A reception will follow directly across the street at Life Inc.