James J. DeVaan 44, of Lake Scandi, formerly of Atwater, died on Thursday, May 12 at Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall, MN as a result of an automobile accident on October 7, 2010.James John DeVaan was born on February 9, 1967, in Willmar, MN, the son of John "Jack" and Mary Jane "Janie" DeVaan of rural DeGraff. He was Baptized and Confirmed at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in DeGraff.Jim graduated from Benson High School with the Class of 1985. He attended Canby Technical College and was currently a student at Ridgewater College in Willmar.Jim married Lisa Kastel on April 23, 1994 at Peace Lutheran Church in New London.This marriage blessed them with three spirited redheaded children. Jim worked for Klassen Welding Repair in DeGraff, Sylvester Industries on the East Coast, farmed on the family farm near DeGraff from 1989 to 1998, where he grew up with his seven siblings. Then worked for Magney Construction from 1998 to the present. Jim was a hard and dedicated worker no matter what the job. He was laid off from his construction job in 2009 due to the economy and was in his second semester at Ridgewater College to further his career at the time of his accident. Jim was passionate about his children. He was very involved with their activities at school and church. He shared his love of the outdoors with them, which included hunting, fishing, gardening, and snowmobiling. He was a great dad and his kids adore him. Whenever he was playing with kids, one would be unsure of who was having more fun! When he teamed up with his redheaded sisters playing board games, they were unconquerable.Jim was a very spiritual man. He was involved as a volunteer, teaching "his kids" as he called his three year olds in his Sunday School Class at Peace Lutheran. He spoke often of his church family and his favorite line was "God is driving the bus."Jim had a large circle of friends. He maintained his lifelong friendships with his high school pals. He had a close circle of friends from Diamond Lake, and many other friendships he developed over the years wherever he went. He loved to talk and was very social. Some will say he could "talk your ear off". He could be very mischievous. His stories and antics were many. His grin was infectious and his eyes twinkled. He could also be stubborn and occasionally showed his redheaded temper. Jim was a fantastic cook. His specialties included ribs, walleye, and vegetables from his garden, which he loved to share with family and friends.Jim's love for cars and mechanics began at an early age and his parents often shared stories of Jim taking apart engines and other things so he could put them back together again. He remained a kid at heart, enjoying his remote control toys, video games, and watching NASCAR in his garage.Jim is survived by his three children, Michael, Zachary and Lucy DeVaan; his mother, Janie DeVaan of Lake Scandi and DeGraff; siblings, Deb (Tom) Berres of Rosemount, Cate DeVaan of St. Paul, Joe (Susanna) DeVaan of DeGraff, Mary (Bob) Walsh of Dawson, Edward (Julie) DeVaan of Waite Park, Steve (Sandy) DeVaan of DeGraff; Grandmother, Lucille Rutledge of Benson; former wife Lisa Kastel; 22 nephews and nieces; and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack DeVaan; sister, Sarah DeVaan; nephew, Cody DeVaan; Grandparents, Joe Rutledge and Theodore and Hendricka DeVaan; and brother-in-law, Doug Bjork.
