James Austin Van Eynde

Lt. Colonel (ret.) James “Jim” Austin Van Eynde passed away on November 2, 2024 at the age of 87 surrounded by his family and is now at peace in the loving embrace of the Lord. Jim Van Eynde was born in Knoxville. Tennessee on July 12, 1937, where he attended Knoxville Catholic for high school and later attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for college. It was at the University of Tennessee that he met his wife, Marilyn. The two were engaged on December 25th, 1958, and married on April 18th, 1959, and they remained happily married for 56 incredible years. They are survived by two children: Michael S. Van Eynde (Michelle) of Dallas, TX, and Sherrill Ann Nieman (Gavin) of Memphis, TN. Four grandchildren, Gavin Nieman Jr. (Morgan), Sam Nieman, Anna Bryan Nieman, and Tenlie Van Eynde. Jim Van Eynde joined the United States Air Force in August of 1964. He was first stationed in Japan where he and his family lived for three years. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent in Japan, which greatly influenced his views on culture and travel for the rest of his life. Jim later served overseas in the Vietnam war from June of 1968 to June of 1969. He would go on to obtain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Jim was a proud veteran until his death. Upon returning to the United States, he accepted a job with Plough Inc. in Memphis, TN where he worked as a Traffic Manager for the next 16 years. Jim worked many jobs in logistics before attending the University of Arkansas to obtain his Master of Science in Operations Management. After obtaining his master’s he worked for Continental Traffic in Memphis, TN until he retired. He was an avid traveler and in his lifetime, he visited 49 states and 25 foreign countries. In his free time, Jim enjoyed golfing, traveling, and watching his UT Vols play any and every sport, but his greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife Marilyn and his family. Jim Van Eynde was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bartlett, TN. Visitation will take place November the 11th, 11am to 12pm followed by funeral mass at noon at St. Ann's. Burial will take place November 27th at 11am in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Forest Hill Irene. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.