James Roger VanAtten, 73, of Stanwood, passed away, Monday, Feb. 8th, 2010. He was born in Alma, MI April. 15, 1936, the son of James and Alma (Zinn) VanAtten. He graduated from St. Johns High School. Retired from the Dept. of Correction for the State of Michigan. He served in the US Army and was member of the American Legion. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, history, fishing, and loved his cat Sammie. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be dearly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Treva. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Annette; 5 children, James R Jr. (Melinda), Jean (Curtis) Fedewa, Sharyl Dlugozima, Mary (Mike) Orwat, William (Leslie); 7 step children Stephen Kolp, Christopher Kolp, Sandra (Bill) Tate, Donna (Dusty) Hill, Kathy (Chuck) Foults, Scott (Michele) Kolp, Janet Kolp; 28 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; brother Edwin (Yvonne) VanAtten; 2 nephews; 1 niece from Australia. A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Sat., Feb. 20, 2010 at Evangel Christian Church, 1848 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Perry Ave., Big Rapids, MI. www.hom.org