James Mitchell Van Deusen

James Mitchell Van Deusen, 68, died unexpectedly at his home in North Egremont on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.

Jim was born on December 3, 1952 in Sharon, Connecticut. He was the son of Ann (Mitchell) Van Deusen and the late Harry Van Deusen. He was a 1971 graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT.

Jim met his wife, the late Patricia DeVoti Van Deusen whom he married September 1, 1973 in Sheffield, MA.

Jim was an avid golfer. He felt at home on the open greens. He acquired the nickname, ‘Squirrel’ while playing golf with friends. Over the course of his life, Jim worked at local golf courses. He met some of his best friends doing so. He worked at several country clubs in the local area. In the late 80’s, after helping build his home on Boice Road, he ventured out onto his own starting Oakwoods Landscaping and later Oakwoods Construction. In 1998, he began building his current home on Prospect Lake Road, where he was residing at the time of his death.

Jim also was an Egremont selectman in the 1990’s. He was the co-chair of the French park committee and helped build the pavilion and bandstand there as well. He loved playing on his volleyball team at French Park and Friday night darts with one of his best friends, Bob Rivers.

As he and Patricia raised their only child, Jeremy, the family loved to go on camping trips to Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Often times, his friend Ed Flanagan and family made the trip and joined them.

Jim could often be found with Jeremy at his side. He taught Jeremy how to work with his hands, build and fix various things.

Later in his life, Jim loved the time he spent with his grandchildren, Madison and Lucas. He bought Lucas his first set of golf clubs. He took Madison for rides on the golf cart showing her the different holes. He always beat Lucas at Uno and shared his kitties, Heckle and Jeckle, with them.

He is survived by his mother, Ann and brother John (Barbara) of Maine. His son, Jeremy (Crystal) of Housatonic and his grandchildren, Madison and Lucas. He also leaves his niece Megan and her family as well as his special friend, Sharon Hughes.

Jim is predeceased by his wife, Patricia, father, Harry, his brother Peter and nephew Sean.

SERVICES : The family invites everyone to join them for a graveside service on Tuesday, July 27 ^th at 1:00 pm at Hillside Cemetery in Egremont.

Calling hours will be Monday, July 26 ^th from 4-7pm at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the James M. Van Deusen Memorial Fund, which will be used to set up an educational fund for his grandchildren, or the Lupus Foundation c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.  To send remembrances to his family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com