James William “Jim” Van Ert, age 71, died Sunday, August 29, 2010 surrounded by his family in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born February 9, 1939 in Sherry, Wisconsin to Sophie Theresa Konkol and Clarence Cornelius Van Ert. He has three sisters: Kathleen (Bob) Robson of Hurricane, UT; Barbara (Richard) Hackman of Agua Dulce, CA; Mary Jane Beckham of Grand Terrace, CA; two brothers: Timothy (deceased) and Marc (Sharon) of Redlands, CA.
After WWII Jim’s family moved to Southern California where he attended school until he joined the carpenters union. In 1959, while working at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, he met Sally Ann Hammond. They were married November 26, 1959 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has 4 stepchildren: Linda Branson of Reno, NV; Richard (Madeline) Winkler of Hailey, ID; Marilynn (Michael) Myers of Windell, ID; Buster Winkler of Overton, NV; three children: Jay (Ellen) Van Ert of Las Vegas, NV; Chrissy (Chris) Hallenburg of Logandale,NV and Jane Van Ert of Las Vegas, NV; 33 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
His construction career included working at: the Nevada Test Site, Collins Brothers Homes, Ralph Engelstead Construction, N. Las Vegas Airport, Imperial Palace, Moapa Indian Reservation Housing and numerous homes and warehouses.
Jim and Sally resided at Stewart’s Point for over 25 years where he continued to enjoy fishing, fast cars, fish tacos, friends and family.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Moapa Valley Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 6 – 8 p.m. and again one hour prior to services at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Logandale Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.
