James J. VandenBoom, age 77, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.
James was born October 23, 1946, in Bay View, Wisconsin, to the late Elmer and Clara (Kranski) VandenBoom. He attended Cudahy High School graduating in 1964. Following high school, he attended UW– Milwaukee and then UW – Madison, where he graduated with a BS. He was employed as a Chemical Engineer at Heresite in Manitowoc for several years, and ultimately retired from Milport in Milwaukee. Jim married Nancy Vestal on September 5, 1970, in Charles City, Iowa. Jim and Nancy lived in Iowa for a short time where they welcomed their first child, Debi. They then had a brief stay in Illinois where their daughter Jill was born, and finally settled with their family in Wisconsin, welcoming their third child, Bryce. Jim was a lover of sports – both watching and playing them. He played in many recreational leagues over the years, particularly basketball, soccer, and softball. Jim also enjoyed rooting and attending Wave, Badger, Brewer, Bucks, and Packer games. Jim also served on the board for the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System. Above all else, Jim was a family man, and always supported his children and grandchildren in everything they did – never missing a dance recital, concert, sporting event, or play.
James is survived by his loving wife: Nancy VandenBoom; three children: Debi VanDenBoom, Jill Tjossem, Bryce (Lisa) VandenBoom; seven grandchildren: EliOtto, Clara, Grace, Gabriel, Gavin, Evan, Ian; great grandchild: Luna; brother: Tom (Judy) VandenBoom; sister: Kathleen VandenBoom Hurley; nieces and nephews: Joe (Leah), Mary (Troy), Zeke, Susie, Tom (Karla), and all of their families; and life-long special friends. Other relatives and friends also survive. Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Elmer and Clara VandenBoom; brother-in-law: Michael Hurley; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Roy (Erla Mae) Vestal, Margaret (John) Buell; and two nephews Ben Hurley and Jeff VandenBoom.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, with Jim’s daughter, Rev. Debi VanDenBoom officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be held at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St., Manitowoc, following the service. Cremation has occurred at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory in Manitowoc.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County and Aurora at Home Hospice for the exceptional care provided to Jim. They would also like to thank Dr. Teehan, Dr. Kilari, and Dr. Eichenseer, for the care provided to Jim over the last several years. Your support and compassion will never be forgotten.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Jim’s name to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the VandenBoom family with funeral arrangements.
