James Valkenaar Jr Obituary

James (Jim) Valkenaar of Loudon, Tennessee passed away on October 3, 2003 after a twenty-year struggle with multiple sclerosis. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, the youngest of three children, he moved with his family to south Florida in the early 1960s, completing his high school years at St. Andrew’s Academy in Boca Raton. He was a competitive swimmer throughout his childhood and teen years, becoming a nationally ranked athlete. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at Mars Hill College and a Master’s in Business Administration at Western Carolina University and became a certified public accountant. He moved to Tennessee in the late 1980’s to work as Director of Finance for the Berkline Corporation in Morristown and later moved on to become Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President for MasterCraft Boats in Vonore, where he remained until his health issues forced his retirement in 2010. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Michele, a sister, Patricia Corbett and a brother, Thomas Valkenaar, as well as two nephews, Eric and Matt Corbett, and two great nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, James Valkenaar, Sr. and Joan Ringlund Valkenaar, as well as a nephew, Gerard Valkenaar. A funeral service and internment will take place on October 11, 2023 at Hillsboro United Methodist Church and Hillsboro Cemetery in Hillsboro, Virginia. A celebration of his life will be held at Jim and Michele’s home in Loudon, Tennessee on October 21, 2023. Jim was loved and respected by all who came to know him, due to his integrity, generosity and loyalty to friends and family. He will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers or similar expressions, please consider making a charitable donation in Jim’s honor to:Senior Citizens Home Assistance Services (SCHAS) of Loudon County, TN2771 US Hwy 11, Suite 6Lenoir City, TN 37772www. schas. org/donate/donate