GRIZZLY ATTACK: Jim VanSteenhouse Escapes Bear, Recovering From Injuries

November 3, 2015
By: Dave Rogers

James H. VanSteenhouse, originally from Unionville, has a grizzly story to tell; and he's thankful to be alive to tell it.

VanSteenhouse, 48, manager and CEO of InterLinc Mortgage Services, Houston, Texas, survived a grizzly bear attack in Canada. He is a graduate of Unionville High School in 1985 and Michigan State University with a BA in marketing and psychology in 1989.

His parents, Larry and Vickie VanSteenhouse, are well known in the Bay City area and are avid tennis players.

An associate posted this account Sept. 14 on Facebook:

"As most of you know, our company leader and CEO, has an absolute passion for hunting. He was in pursuit of a moose with his bow in the McKenzie Mountains of the North West Territory on a trip that began Sunday, September 6th.

"On Thursday morning, as he and his guide were spotting for moose from on top of one of the peaks in the mountains, a grizzly bear attacked Jim.

"As Jim and the bear wrestled down the embankment, apparently the guide was able to fire a warning shot that frightened the bear enough to release Jim and flee.

"Jim was taken to a local nurses station by helicopter and then from there by medevac jet to the nearest hospital.

"He took 34 staples to close a gash in his head, stitches in his back, shoulder, and upper leg, scrapes and bruises, and has a couple of broken fingers on each hand. His spirit however, is unbroken!

The account concluded: "I was able to talk to him on Saturday and he was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon! "His brother, Michael, flew to Canada to pick him up and accompany him back to Houston today or tomorrow.

"The remainder of the details I will leave for Mr. VanSteenhouse to share when he is ready."

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