James Harold VandeDrink

James Harold VandeDrink, age 85, of Elgin, IL, passed away on January 13, 2023. He was born May 9, 1937 in Elizabeth, IL to parents, Harold J. and Inez E. (née Bonjour) VandeDrink.

Jim graduated from Elizabeth High School, Class of 1955. He joined the Navy ROTC, and served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960 before being honorably discharged. He worked in car sales at Heritage Motors and Zimmerman Ford for over 30 years before retiring in 2007.

Jim and his wife, Maria, met through a blind date set up by their mutual friend, Dee Redmer. They married on May 8, 1965 and were married for 57 years.

Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, and was always ready with a joke, one-liner, or story. He was very hard working, and always driven, earning Salesman of the Month many times. He was a past member of the South Elgin Lion’s Club, a Moose and Elk’s member, and St. Edward HS Booster Club. He was an Elgin Golden Kiwanis Member and was a past President.

Jim was a proud father, loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a great bargain hunter, and loved garage sales. He was also quite the car enthusiast, having personally owned or sold over 65 cars during his lifetime. He owned his beloved 1971 Mustang for over 50 years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and nephew, Bradley K. VandeDrink. He is survived by his wife, Alice Maria (née Spates) VandeDrink; children, Cynthia (Brian) Kummet, Lisa M. VandeDrink, and Scott (Sarah) VandeDrink; brother, Kenneth (Maxine) VandeDrink; brother and sister-in-law, James (Sharon) Spates; grandchildren, Devin Cinatl, Mitchell VandeDrink, Jeremy Kummet, and Alexander Kummet; nephews, Gregory (Shauna) VandeDrink, Douglas (Lisa K.) VandeDrink, Matthew Spates, and Daniel (Christy) Spates; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

Visitation will be 4:00pm until prayers with military honors at 7:00pm, Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30am, Friday, January 20, 2023 at St. Laurence Catholic Church, 225 Jewett Street, Elgin, IL 60123. Fr. Robert Camacho and Fr. Andrew Mulcahey will be officiating.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to either the Golden Kiwanis of Elgin or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elgin or South Elgin.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.

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