James Michael VanVeckhoven, beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, surrounded by his family and some of his closest friends. Fittingly born on April Fools’ Day, April 1st, 1962, in Monroe, Louisiana, Mike’s quick wit, playful spirit, and larger-than-life personality made that birthday feel like destiny. He would go on to leave a legacy built on heart, generosity, and community.

Mike grew up in Monroe and proudly graduated from Neville High School. He attended Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. After returning home to go to Northeast Louisiana University, he decided to join the family business at Van-Trow Toyota, where he discovered his true calling. Known throughout Monroe and beyond as “the car guy,” Mike possessed an unmatched talent for the auto business with cultivating relationships, leading with vision, and helping grow the dealership alongside his brothers, John and Billy. Under their leadership, Van-Trow flourished into one of the most respected dealerships in the region. His contributions were recognized by numerous honors and accolades from Toyota, and Gulf States Toyota, where he served on multiple leadership committees over the years.

Mike’s greatest accomplishments were not found in titles or awards. They were in the way he showed up for the people he loved. He was an extraordinary father and stepfather to five children, and a loving partner to his companion of 36 years, Donna. Their love was rare and deep, rooted in friendship, laughter, and unwavering support. Donna cared for him with fierce love and devotion, especially in his final days. He was a father that did the most – never missing a game, pep rally or dance competition. He delivered lunch to his kids at school almost every day, always going above and beyond what the average parent was doing and never letting life’s business get in the way of showing up. You could always count on him to answer the phone and listen. He took pride in birthdays, always calling, singing, or delivering a cake to those he loved most.

Mike had a big presence, a big voice, and an even bigger heart. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He made everyone feel welcome, included, and cared for and often offered a warm bed, a hot meal, a ride or simply his company and conversation. His home was a haven for many of his children’s friends over the years. Saturday mornings with Mike meant donuts or kolaches for anyone lucky enough to be there – always served with one of his legendary stories that had everyone cracking up.

He truly had the gift of gab and was an animated storyteller, a history buff, and a passionate conversationalist who could command a room with both humor and warmth. He loved to laugh, to connect, and to make others feel seen. Mike had many passions: he was an avid boater and water skier, a lifelong fisherman, and a lover of the Ouachita River, Bayou Desiard, and the Gulf of Mexico. He found peace near water, especially at sunset, where he felt closest to God. He also enjoyed hunting, golfing (never missing a Masters Sunday), and traveling with his family, especially to San Diego.

He had a special way of making people feel like family, and his passing has stirred a wave of love and remembrance from every chapter of his life—childhood friends, past employees, his kid’s friends who were like family and countless others whose lives he touched.

Mike is survived by his devoted life partner, Donna Brister VanVeckhoven; his three children, Truman VanVeckhoven, Connor VanVeckhoven and her husband, Jake Warren, and Trevor VanVeckhoven; and his stepchildren, Trey Weaver and Colby Weaver Walker and her husband, Jared Walker.

He is also survived by five grandchildren: Colton Weaver, Blake Walker, Campbell Walker, Austin Walker, and Weston Walker.

Additionally, Mike is survived by three of his siblings: Milburn VanVeckhoven and his wife, Judy; John VanVeckhoven and his wife, Kathy; and his sister, Lenell, and her husband, Steve Dufour.
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; A.T. and Ann VanVeckhoven; his brother, Billy VanVeckhoven; and his sisters, Ginger Solberg and Debra Holland.

Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible nurses and staff at St. Francis Medical Center’s SICU on the second floor. Over the past six weeks, they treated our dad with not only exceptional medical care but also with love, dignity, and respect. Their compassion, dedication, and support became a source of comfort and strength during the most difficult time of our lives, and we will never forget them.

Mike will be remembered for his generous spirit, his endless stories, his fierce love for his family, and the joy he brought to everyone, lucky enough to know him. His legacy is one of big love, laughter, and presence. His legacy will live on in all of us.

Honoring Mike as active pallbearers will be Bo Hardy, Bubby Brister, Chris Sampognaro, Hud Braud, Jeff Liner, Jonathan Jackson, Matt Robinson and Richard Crowe. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Primos, Dave Trettin, J.D. Sparks, Joe Giovingo and Ray Rivers.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society.

A service of remembrance for Mike will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, June 8, 2025, in the Chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Monroe. A visitation will begin at Noon until service time at the funeral home. Entombment will immediately follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum with services under the direction and care of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe.

Kilpatrick Funeral Home
Monroe, LA

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