Jan Willem Smeulers

Dear Members and friends,

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Jan Willem Smeulers, a beloved and respected member of our Dutch community here in Atlanta. Jan Willem was not just a business leader but a dear friend and mentor to many of us. His tireless dedication to fostering strong transatlantic business relationships through his role as Vice President of KLM in Atlanta and his work with Delta Air Lines exemplified his commitment to the Dutch and international business community. His efforts were instrumental in strengthening the bonds between our two nations.

As a past president of the Netherlands-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast, Jan Willem brought a sense of unity and purpose to our organization, leaving a lasting legacy of collaboration and community spirit. His work as Chairman of the Netherlands American Business Council further demonstrated his passion for connecting people and promoting Dutch interests across the United States. His knighthood, receiving the Order of Orange-Nassau from King Willem-Alexander, was a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable service and dedication.

Born in The Hague, Jan Willem's life journey was marked by a series of extraordinary accomplishments and a deep commitment to his community. His warm and friendly personality made him a cherished figure among us. Even after losing his beloved Vera - the love of his life - Jan Willem continued to support the Dutch community here. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible life he led.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Jan Willem's legacy of kindness, leadership, and community will continue to inspire us all, and have left a lasting impact on his "Atlanta" family.