James A Vander Pas

VERONA-Jim Vander Pas, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. James was born on June 3, 1937, to Nick and Rose (Hoolihan) Vander Pas in Little Chute. He grew up in Little Chute, enjoying a variety of activities, among them swimming, baseball and mischief. Jim has always been eager to share his musical talents whether it was in a choir, in a Barbershop Quartet (the renowned \" The Captivators\"), in the shower, in a car, or even on an accordion. On Sept. 28, 1957, Jim married Betty Poppe at St. Johns Catholic Church in Little Chute. Together they had six children, whom they raised in Kimberly. While living in Kimberly, Jim was active at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, assuming roles that included cantor, lector, and youth choir director. Jim graduated in 1959, from St. Norbert College with a bachelors degree in business administration. He applied his knowledge and intelligence to a career in the insurance industry. Over time, he worked for several companies, most notably for Home Mutual / Secura Insurance Company where he spent close to 30 years, serving first as an underwriter and later as an executive. During that time he earned his CPCU designation. Throughout his career it was clear to everyone who knew him that family and friends were of paramount importance to Jim. After his retirement in 1996, Jim married Barb Jones. In 1999, they moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado. where they lived for four years before returning to Verona. Retirement offered Jim more time to spend on interests and activities such as cooking, camping, boating, fishing, golfing, reading, writing, and cheering for his favorite sports teams. He was an avid Packers and Badgers fan. Retirement also gave him a chance to find new audiences for some of his old stories and jokes. He is survived by his wife, Barb and their son, Matt, at home. Other survivors include his adult children and their families, Deb and Rick Verstegen, and their children, Lindsay, Mandi, and Bryan; Cyndi Vander Pas; James \"Scott\" and Wendi Vander Pas and their children, Marne, Ashley, and James \"Garot\"; Bill and Lori Vander Pas and their children, Nathan, Adam, and Andrea; Mark and Sara Vander Pas and their children, Allison Cleereman, Megan, Eric, Mike, and Matt; Jon and Cami Vander Pas and their children, Nicolas, Emily and Alex; brothers, Tom (Joyce), Dan (Mary); sister, Marilyn Vander Pas; brother-in-law, Bob (Barb) Jones, and one great-grandchild, Gracie Cleereman. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Vander Pas; and in-laws, Bill and Clara Jones. A funeral service will be held at SUGAR RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 N. Franklin, Verona at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435, University Ave., Middleton, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. A memorial service will be held in Little Chute at a later date. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435, University Ave., Middleton, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Service: A funeral service will be held at SUGAR RIVER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 130 N. Franklin, Verona at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011.