Jacob Derk Van Ramshorst, Sr.

Jacob Derk Van Ramshorst, Sr. of Sugar Land, Texas passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the age of 84. He was born on March 3, 1940 in McAllen, Texas to Johanes and Edna Van Ramshorst.

Jacob was a fun-loving and kindhearted man with brilliant blue eyes, and a contagious laugh and smile. He was loved by many. Jacob was married to his high school sweetheart for 63 years. They had three children, two granddaughters, and one great grandson.

Jacob graduated from McAllen High School. He later served in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, and was honorably discharged in 1962. He worked for General Telephone (GTE) for over three decades as a lineman, engineer, and project manager.

He worked with his wife in the porcelain doll business for many years, specializing in composition doll bodies. After retiring from GTE, Jacob went on to work at Home Depot for 21 years in the gardening center. He loved gardening and obtained his Texas Master Gardener certification in 2019. He enjoyed working in his yard, fishing trips to Canada, delicious food, and traveling across the United States. He read biographies and westerns, and old country western music was his favorite.

Jacob is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and sister, as well as his son, Jacob Van Ramshorst, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Van Ramshorst, oldest daughter Nancy Waterman, son-in-law Joseph Waterman, granddaughter Zoe Waterman, daughter-in-law Debbie Van Ramshorst, granddaughter Bridgette Van Ramshorst McCulloch, great grandson Reese McCulloch, youngest daughter Audrey Van Ramshorst, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is planned for early 2025. Jacob will be interred in Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice.

20 comments

  1. What an amazing person. I feel so lucky to have known him. My love and thoughts are with Bonnie and his whole family.
    Much love,
    Enid

    Enid Graham
    • Thank you, Enid. He loved you so very much!

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  2. RIP uncle. Last of your generation

    Galen Steele Jr
  3. I learned alot about Mr Van Ramshorst through his obituary. Now I know why his family is so kind, fun loving and creative. My love and prayers go to his wife and daughters. Love, Mary

    Mary L Kapner
    • Thank you for those kind words, Mary!

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  4. Sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Van Ramshorst. May he rest in peace. Blessings and prayers,
    Sister Ethel

    Ethel
    • Thank you so very much, Sister Ethel!

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  5. Uncle JD always had the best smile and most contagious laugh in the room. His joy for life was evident, and he is already missed. We’ll always think of him when we fry fish in the future. 🎣 Many hugs to his bride, daughters, and family. ❤️

    Leslie and Mark Burch
    • Thanks so much for those kind words, Leslie and Mark. He thought so highly of the two of y’all!

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  6. Our deepest condolences and prayers for the family in the passing of Uncle JD.
    Bob and Twila Van Ramshorst and family

    Twila
  7. I already miss Uncle JD. He always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a joyous, heartfelt laugh. He was a caring companion to my Aunt Bonnie and father to my cousins. For these gifts, I will be forever grateful.

    Rest in peace, my dear Uncle.

    Suzie Martin Simmons
    • What very lovely things to say, Suzie! Thank you so very much for your support.

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  8. My deepest condolences to my friend Audrey and all the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time and always.

    Karen

    Karen Paulder
    • Thank you, Karen!

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  9. We feel blessed to have a neighbor like Mr Jacob. He was a true gentleman with a heart of gold. He always had a smile and never hesitated to share some good old stories from his earlier years. We knew him for over 17 years and always found him working hard and staying busy upkeeping his outside garden. We know he is in a better place and pray for patience for his family and loved ones. May God bless him and his entire family

    Irfan Mohiuddin
    • Thank you so very much for those kind words. We appreciate everything you have done for our family!

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  10. Jacob was one of my most loyal, sweetest, and caring clients. I will cherish all the memories over the years I have of him. He will be dearly missed and we send our prayers.

    Rest in Peace.
    Ann & Family

    Ann Nguyen
    • Thank you, Ann! You always took such great care of him.

      Audrey Van Ramshorst
  11. I met Mr. Jacob in 2003 when he joined the HD family. He was every bit of funny and just lovable. We opened a store in Sugar Land at the end of 06 up until my departure in the spring of 2020. Jacob was a party of my everyday life. That kind of longevity, you become family. He reminded me of that grandpa that likes to make jokes and definitely light of the situation. He drove that super long white truck that was just immortal. You could hear it turning into the parking lot. We always had a good laugh about it.
    It was sad to hear of his passing. I didn’t get to see him much after I left that store. His smile is memorable, his vibe and character is eternal. Rest easy my friend. You will be missed but always remembered.

    Knight Rangel III
    • Knight, it is so comforting to know so many people have such fond memories of him.

      Audrey Van Ramshorst

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