James "Jim" E. Van Orden IIIAge: 67 • Essex JunctionJames E "Jim" Van Orden III, 67, of Essex Junction, passed away on October 29, 2016 after a short battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. He was surrounded by loving family and friends at the VNA Respite House in Colchester.Jim was born on October 9, 1949 in Wilmington, NC to James E Van Orden Jr. & Evelyn (Rouse) Van Orden. At the age of 5, the family moved from Wilmington to Acra, NY. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1967, received his Bachelor's degree from Long Island University-Southampton, and his Master's from Saint Michael's College in Colchester. Jim worked for over 40 years in the banking industry at banks throughout Vermont and New York, retiring from TD Bank in 2014.Jim was a devoted member of his community for over 30 years. He was a volunteer coach for his children's youth baseball, softball, and basketball teams. He also served as a basketball referee for Essex Junction's youth recreation leagues at all levels. He served on the EJRP Advisory Board, Burlington YMCA Board, and was a member of the South Burlington Rotary Club. He believed in giving back in every way possible, making yearly contributions to the United Way and donating over 17 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross throughout his life.Jim enjoyed being outdoors; he was an avid hunter, camper, and hiker. Over the course of several years and finishing in 2014, Jim achieved his lifetime goal of hiking the entire Long Trail. He was also an avid card player, enjoying solitaire, poker, and hearts. His favorite game was cribbage, and hosted a cribbage tournament with his friends for 18 years at his camp. For the past couple of winters, Jim and JoAnn spent their time enjoying the sunshine and making many friends in their new community in St. Petersburg, FL. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Jr. and Evelyn and his sister Sue Mack.He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, JoAnn Van Orden of Essex Junction; his children, Rebecca Berkowitz and her husband Joe of Selden, NY; Laura Cristelli and her husband Dan of Milton, VT; James E "Jamie" Van Orden IV and his wife Jenae of Watertown, MA; his grandchildren Ashley & Ryan Berkowitz and James E Van Orden V; his uncle Leon & aunt Clara Rouse and family of Jacksonville, FL. Calling hours will be held on Saturday November 5, 2016 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. at the Ready Funeral Home and Cremation Services Mountain View Chapel. 68 Pinecrest Dr. Essex VT. A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Immediately following the service the family will have a celebration of life, the time and place will be announced at the calling hours. Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA of Chittenden & Grand Isle Counties, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446 or the Green Mountain Club, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, VT 05677.Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.