November 25, 1932 – September 12, 2023
James P. Van Camp passed away peacefully at home in Monument, Colorado on September 12th, 2023. He was born in Williamson, West Virginia to Paul and Mary Jane Van Camp. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Joseph L. Van Camp. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Erika; his son, James T. (Elisabeth) Van Camp; daughter, Susan E. (Karl) Bring; grandchildren: Arden Bring and Kathleen Bring; sister, Janellyn Whittaker; and brothers: John Van Camp and Jerold Van Camp.
Jim received a BSC in Commerce from Ohio University, with honors as a Distinguished Military Student, and was Commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army.
Colonel Van Camp served in the U.S. Army in Germany where he met his wife, Erika, and served in Korea and Vietnam. He held numerous leadership positions and assignments with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry, the 11th and 82nd Airborne Divisions, 1st Cavalry Division, Special Forces, and Special Operations units throughout his career. His decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Master Parachutist and Expert Infantryman Badge.
He served our community as a member of the North Colorado Springs Rotary Club, was recognized for outstanding service to the spiritual development of Catholic Youth in the Boy Scouts of America, and received honors as a Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. An accomplished musician, he supported the arts in Colorado Springs and belonged to the Theater Guild in Germany. Jim was an avid outdoors-man. He climbed Pikes Peak and several other Colorado “Fourteeners” with Erika, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
A rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132. A committal service with military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Steve Young
15 Sep 2023The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for LTC Van Camp’s service to our country in the Army. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
CPT James T McConnell
9 Mar 2024I served with LTC Van Camp when he commanded 14th Supply and Service Battalion, V Corps Support Command in US Army Europe, Hanau Germany. LTC Van Camp was an outstanding commander. He was a soldier’s soldier for whom I have/had great respect. His military record speaks for his wide breadth of service. I will never forget him.
My condolences to his wife Erika for her service over long years. Leb wohl, Erika