Earl J. “Jim” Vandorn

Earl James “Jim” VanDorn, 61, of Moline, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island, with complications of pneumonia.

There will be a gathering of friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline. Following the gathering, a time for sharing will be held at 4 p.m. Those who knew and loved Jim are invited and welcome to attend.

Jim was born August 10, 1947, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Earl V. and Clari (Fee) VanDorn. At a young age, his family moved them to a 144 acre dairy farm in Wisconsin. At age 14, the family moved to Iowa where Jim completed high school in 1965 at Davenport West High School. At 19 years old, Jim began work at International Harvester and was a strong supporter of the UAW Local #1304. During this time, Jim met and married Kathy Owens in 1968. Together they had a daughter, Lorraine. Later they were divorced and Jim married Tarrie Mordhorst, fathering two sons, Darin and Nathan. After retirement, Jim had a zest for working and went to work for Wal-Mart until he succumbed to his illness.
When asked to describe Jim, those friends and family had this to say: He was “Mr. Congeniality.” He loved to meet new people, and he loved to make people laugh. His children remember his good natured ways and his sense of humor most. Jim loved his two grandsons very much and he was so happy to be a part of their loves. His brother and friends reminisce of his love for classic cars. His co-workers describe him as a “hard worker”. He was a positive person who, when he died, was surrounded by his family and close friends. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his three children and their spouses, Lorraine and James Best of Morrison, Illinois, Darin and Laura VanDorn of Kailua Kona, Hawaii, and Nathan VanDorn of South Bend, Indiana; Two grandsons, Jamie Best and Garrett VanDorn; his mother, Clari VanDorn of Tucson, Arizona; siblings, Steve VanDorn of Tucson, and Tom VanDorn and Dianna Watson, both of Washington state; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Jim’s family invites friends to sign his guestbook, share a story about him or light a candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.