VAN DYKE, Peter James (Jim)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Peter James (Jim) Van Dyke of Mesa, Ariz., was called home to God on Aug. 21, 2012, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his children, Rick (Kate), David (Jan), Alan, Mark (Mary Beth), Marilyn (Teddy) Herkowski and Susan (Dan) Johnson; his 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Married to his wife, Elizabeth, for the past 25 years, he counted her five children, her 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren as family as well. Jim joined the military at age 18 and was an active member of the Army Air Corps during World War II, seeing action in the south Pacific. His aircraft was shot down over the Philippines during the war and he survived a water rescue. After serving in the military, he returned to college and then seminary, becoming a Presbyterian pastor. He received his doctorate in ministry from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind. He served as the head pastor in Presbyterian churches in Montpelier, Ohio; Portsmouth, Ohio; West Allis, Wis.; on the Navajo Reservation at Ganado, Ariz.; and was Pastor Emeritus at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott, Ariz. He was a longtime active member of Rotary International. Jim had a vivacious, outgoing personality and was devoted to his wife and family. He loved and served God faithfully for the more than 50 years of his professional ministry. Now that his battle with Alzheimer's Disease is over, we know that our dad and grandpa is in a better place, whole and happy. He will be missed. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ganado Presbyterian Church, Ganado, Ariz. Information provided by survivors.