1930
Jack
2022
Jack Van Surdam
February 2, 1930 — November 29, 2022
Jack Van Surdam - November 29, 2022 (92 years)
The family of John Albert (Jack) Van Surdam of Seneca, South Carolina announces his passing from this life at age 92. Born in Long Island, NY on February 2, 1930, the son of John H. Van Surdam and Julie Meed Van Surdam, he died surrounded by his family on November 29, 2022, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Catherine Van Surdam, née Humphries; his son, John Randall Van Surdam; his daughter, Cynthia Allison Whelan, née Van Surdam (wife of Kevin Whelan); his grandchildren Brendan Whelan (husband of Stacy Whelan, née Henderson) of Maryville TN; Theresa Mosher, née Whelan (wife of Peter Mosher) of Canton GA; Lucas Whelan of Atlanta GA; SSgt Conner Whelan, ANG (husband of Lauren Whelan, née McHenry) of Moore SC; Elizabeth Whelan; John Paul Whelan. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren Madeline Mosher, Lillian Whelan, Zelie Mosher, Kai Whelan, Lawrence Mosher, and Camille Whelan.
Born and raised on Long Island, Jack developed a love for baseball and a lifelong affinity for the New York Yankees. He was drafted into the US Army and served with distinction in the Korean conflict. Returning home after recuperating from injuries, he attended Syracuse University to study forestry. During this time, he met and married his wife Kay in 1954. She had been attracted to him by his masterful entertainment on the piano. He also played minor-league baseball where, as a left-handed pitcher, he was feared for his wicked curveball that he deployed to devastating effect.
Upon graduating from Syracuse in 1955, he joined the U.S. Forrest Service and then The International Paper Company where, in a remarkable career, he attained the position of Timberlands Manager for South Carolina and North Carolina. A long-time resident of Wilmington, NC, he was active in coaching youth sports, playing minor-league baseball ($40 for a win - $25 for a loss), and in the social life of his community.
Retiring from The International Paper Company in 1985 and pursued his passions for tennis and golf. He was a fierce competitor who reveled in giving younger opponents a run for their money by using superior strategy and skillful shots.
In 2015, he relocated to Seneca to be nearer to his son and daughter. At this stage of his life, he loved spending his days outside clearing brush, landscaping, and tending to the health of the wooded area on their property.
He is remembered by his children as a dutiful and loving father who provided for them and engaged in outdoor activities with them. He instilled in them a work ethic that they practice to this day. His grandchildren remember his wry sense of humor, a steady stream of wisecracks, and deep generosity to them. Jack had a profound effect on his family who were molded by his honesty, moral integrity, love for the outdoors, and strong work ethic.
At his request, there will be no public memorial service. His family will have a private remembrance.
The family requests donations be made in Jack’s honor to either Oconee County Humane Society or Comunita Cenocola a Catholic Lay Religious Organization.
https://www.oconeehumane.org/
https://www.hopereborn.org/
Mountain View Funeral Home – Seneca Chapel is serving the Van Surdam family.
The family of John Albert (Jack) Van Surdam of Seneca, South Carolina announces his passing from this life at age 92. Born in Long Island, NY on February 2, 1930, the son of John H. Van Surdam and Julie Meed Van Surdam, he died surrounded by his family on November 29, 2022, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Catherine Van Surdam, née Humphries; his son, John Randall Van Surdam; his daughter, Cynthia Allison Whelan, née Van Surdam (wife of Kevin Whelan); his grandchildren Brendan Whelan (husband of Stacy Whelan, née Henderson) of Maryville TN; Theresa Mosher, née Whelan (wife of Peter Mosher) of Canton GA; Lucas Whelan of Atlanta GA; SSgt Conner Whelan, ANG (husband of Lauren Whelan, née McHenry) of Moore SC; Elizabeth Whelan; John Paul Whelan. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren Madeline Mosher, Lillian Whelan, Zelie Mosher, Kai Whelan, Lawrence Mosher, and Camille Whelan.
Born and raised on Long Island, Jack developed a love for baseball and a lifelong affinity for the New York Yankees. He was drafted into the US Army and served with distinction in the Korean conflict. Returning home after recuperating from injuries, he attended Syracuse University to study forestry. During this time, he met and married his wife Kay in 1954. She had been attracted to him by his masterful entertainment on the piano. He also played minor-league baseball where, as a left-handed pitcher, he was feared for his wicked curveball that he deployed to devastating effect.
Upon graduating from Syracuse in 1955, he joined the U.S. Forrest Service and then The International Paper Company where, in a remarkable career, he attained the position of Timberlands Manager for South Carolina and North Carolina. A long-time resident of Wilmington, NC, he was active in coaching youth sports, playing minor-league baseball ($40 for a win - $25 for a loss), and in the social life of his community.
Retiring from The International Paper Company in 1985 and pursued his passions for tennis and golf. He was a fierce competitor who reveled in giving younger opponents a run for their money by using superior strategy and skillful shots.
In 2015, he relocated to Seneca to be nearer to his son and daughter. At this stage of his life, he loved spending his days outside clearing brush, landscaping, and tending to the health of the wooded area on their property.
He is remembered by his children as a dutiful and loving father who provided for them and engaged in outdoor activities with them. He instilled in them a work ethic that they practice to this day. His grandchildren remember his wry sense of humor, a steady stream of wisecracks, and deep generosity to them. Jack had a profound effect on his family who were molded by his honesty, moral integrity, love for the outdoors, and strong work ethic.
At his request, there will be no public memorial service. His family will have a private remembrance.
The family requests donations be made in Jack’s honor to either Oconee County Humane Society or Comunita Cenocola a Catholic Lay Religious Organization.
https://www.oconeehumane.org/
https://www.hopereborn.org/
Mountain View Funeral Home – Seneca Chapel is serving the Van Surdam family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack Van Surdam, please visit our flower store.
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