James “Jim” Vander Velde, 77, passed away with his family by his side at 3 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2016, at Signature Healthcare of Bremen.

Jim was born on July 3, 1938, in Chicago, Ill., to Maurice and Elizabeth (Ottenhoff) Vander Velde. He graduated from Timothy Christian High School with the class of 1956. He then furthered his education by attaining his bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich.

On Dec. 19, 1958, Jim married the former Janice L. Boerema. To this union came four children: David James, Debra, Denise and Diane.

Jim worked as Senior Vice President for Tri-City Savings and Loan in Oak Park, Ill. before its merge with St. Paul Federal Savings, when he became the Regional Vice President. He was a board member for Trinity Christian College and Elim Christian School, as well as, founding board member of Bethshan. He was a partner of Lincoln Mortgage in Elgin, Ill., a Service Master commercial franchisee, and built many homes under Windmill Enterprises. Jim was an Elder and Deacon in various churches he attended. Most recently he was a member of Crossroads Church in Plymouth. He was a Lion Club member in Illinois.

Aside from his many work accomplishments, Jim also enjoyed photography and achieved his pilot’s license. His greatest joy was his family and the memories made with them. Janice and Jim were foster parents to over 50 children.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years: Janice, Plymouth; their children: David (Mary) Vander Velde, Oregon, Wis.; Debra TUma, Batvia, Ill.; Denise (Michael) Cassidy, Naperville, ILl.; and Diane (Daniel) Barak, Oak Brook, Ill.; nine grandchildren: Matthew (Ashley) Tuma; Kristin (Christopher) Erfuth; Kimberlee (Daniel) Beckstrom; David Ryan (Jenna) Vander Velde; Jennifer (Mark) Laabs; Michelle (Jason) Moss; Justin Barak; Kyle Cassidy; Ashley Barak; nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Ruth Frisbie; and Lois Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: George; son-in-law: Glen Tuma Jr.; and great-grandson: Ryan Laabs.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, March 10, in the Crossroad Church, Plymouth. Funeral Services will begin at 11 a.m. in the church with Pastor Scott Yoder officiating. Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Crossroads Church, Plymouth.