James L. Van

James Linwood Van, age 74 of Providence, passed away Friday, June 12, 2026. He was the husband of Roberta C. Rose, with whom he shared twenty-eight years of marriage.

Born on July 1, 1951, in Hartford, Connecticut, Jim was the son of the late Linwood Van and Jeannette (Michaels) Woodall and stepson of the late Gordan Woodall. He was a graduate of Chariho High School, Class of 1969, and earned a bachelor’s degree in media and communications studies from the University of Maryland, Class of 1974. He also earned a degree in Navy Security from the Naval War College, Class of 1983. Jim served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and in reserves for over 24 years. He was an avid reader, enjoyed sailing, gardening, traveling, and was a pilot. Jim was a fan of rock and roll, hosting The Rock and Roll Root Cellar on WHJY, and loved France, food, wine, animals, and later, IT and Entrepreneurial Leadership. He was kind, gentle, loving, and helped others. He is survived by his wife, daughter Maya Van and her husband David, three grandchildren, nephew Joshua Jones, and niece Rebecca Jones. He was brother to the late Catherine Reitman. Private arrangements were handled by Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel.