James Robert VanderRoest

James R. VanderRoest, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 8, 2015, with his loving wife, Mary, by his side. James served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as an airplane mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 14, 1955 he married Mary Locey. They shared 60 memorable years together, and raised five children, facing all of life's challenges as a loving team. Jim was employed at Clarage Fan as an Arc Welder as well as a supervisor. He served as Union President for several years, during which time he passionately advocated for the fair treatment and rights of the working man. Jim was very well liked and respected in this position. Jim was an avid golfer and in his retirement years, enjoyed golfing five days a week at Milham Golf Course, always leaving the tee times on weekends open for the workers. His children will remember him as a fair and loving father who could do and fix nearly everything. He never turned them away in times of need, even when they were too old to be asking. What his grandchildren cherish most is the perfect way he loved them and the way he absolutely and completely rescued several of them. One thing they will all hold precious is the way he rubbed his bald head and laughed with abandon. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister and two of his beloved daughters. Survived by his wife of 60 years, three children, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.