James Burton Van Camp

Van CAMP, James Burton- Age 75, of Swartz Creek, died Monday, February 5, 2007 at Avalon Hospice.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, February 9, 2007 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Flint.  Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant.  Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint.  Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center Chapel, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc Twp., from 6-9 PM Wednesday and 2-4 and 6-9 PM Thursday, where a vigil service will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday. Friday, Mr. Van Camp will lie in state at the church from 10 AM until the time of service. Those desiring may make contributions to the James B. Van Camp Memorial Fund.  Mr. Van Camp was born February 18, 1931 in Springfield, MO, the son of James Albert and Mildred (Lemmons) Van Camp.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict.  He married Elizabeth Gasper June 18, 1955 in Flint. He retired from GM in 1991 after 35 years of service in Skilled Trades as a tinsmith.  He had resided in Swartz Creek since 1978 coming from Flint.  Mr. Van Camp enjoyed carpentry, target shooting, gardening, writing, classical music, teaching himself the piano and his grandchildren.  He was a devoted and enthusiastic husband, father and grandfather.  Surviving are: wife, Elizabeth; 7 children, Sr. Joan Marie Van Camp (Sr. Josepha) of Wyandotte, Susan Michelle and husband Mark Harmon of Flint, Margaret Louise Van Camp and dear friend Cindy Cieciwa of Swartz Creek, James Charles 'Chip' Van Camp of Swartz Creek, Robert Mathew and wife Rosie Van Camp of Holly, Michael Alexander and wife Cathy Van Camp of Swartz Creek, Jennifer Leigh Welch of Escanaba; 11 grandchildren; mother, Mildred Watkins of Grand Blanc; He was preceded in death by his father, James Albert Van Camp; son-in-law, Michael Welch.  Friends may share online condolences or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.