"I'll never forget how nice he was to me when I was a very young girl. we were next door neighbors for 4 years. He was the kind of dad I wished I had had. I will never forget his kindness. I hope the boys are all doing well. I Love, Renee Arnett"
In loving memory of
JAMES VANLANDINGHAM
April 29, 1928 - August 16, 2013
James Jim Vanlandingham, 85, of Columbia City passed away on Friday, August 16th at 12:15 a.m. in Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City following a short illness.He was born on April 29, 1928, the son of James and Betty (Crowe) Vanlandingham who preceded him in death.
Jim graduated in 1946 from Mt Summit High School, Mt. Summit, IN.
On May 11, 1991, Jim was married to Sharon (Liechty) in the First Mennonite Church of Berne and she survives at Tri Lakes, Columbia City.Following 42 years of service with AEP (American Electric Power/Indiana & Michigan) Jim retired in 1988. He loved spending time with his family, golfing, traveling and working on cars.
Surviving are his wife, Sharon; sons Kent (Teresa) Vanlandingham, Berne; Anthony Tony (Laurie) Vanlandingham, Decatur; Jeffery Jeff(Sheila) Vanlandingham of Columbia City and step-son John (Amy) Kolb of Kouts;Also surviving are grandchildren Teresa (Ezra) Lavy of Convoy, OH; Adam (Kelly) Vanlandingham, Decatur; Matthew Vanlandingham, Marion; Casey (Sharon) Vanlandingham of Bluffton; Katie (Luke) Shifferly of Monroe; Ashley (Justin Mack) Vanlandingham of Decatur; Caleb (Alisha Smith) Vanlandingham of Waynedale; Tabitha Vanlandingham, Columbia City; Emily and Maci Kolb of Kouts; 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.Brother-in-law Michael D.Liechty of Geneva; sister-in-law Susan (Raymond) Christian, North Judson; brother-in-law John (Sonya) Murry of Palmdale, CA also survive along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Shirley (Murry) Vanlandingham; sisters Grace Shock and Helen Hagy; daughter Teresa at birth and brother-in-law Donald Liechty.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 2 to 7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorial honors can be made in Mr. Vanlandinghams memory to the American Diabetes Association, The American Cancer Society or the donors choice. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Tributes
"Sharon, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Sharon, I'm so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you. Robin Ness"
"Sharon and family,you have my heartfelt sympathy. My God give you strength today, tomorrow and the days to come.Jim's spirit will live with you forever. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy"
"Sharon, our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. We hope the support of family and friends will comfort you in the weeks and months to come. Sorry we couldn't be there with you."
"Dear Sharon - it was such a pleasure to have met you and Jim. What a great couple the two of you were to talk with. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you all the best. - Shana, RN"
"Kent and families, So very sorry for the loss of your father. I had the 8th grade graduation picture out just day before yesterday and was thinking of old times and old friends. My husband and I live at Tri-Lakes.I've never left so passed your home and wondered about you many times over the years. May your memories of your father's long life bring peace to your soul. Sincerely, An old classmate, Sandy (Schneider) Mavis"
"Our sympathies to the family and may God bless you all."
"Katie, Luke & kids.......I'm so sorry about your Grandpa. I am thinking about all you & keeping you in my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything."
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "
"We missed you all at Berne days this year. You have our sympathy in the passing of Jim. May God bless you all. Sincerely, Ralph & Carolyn"
"I will miss Jim's hugs hello and his sparkling smile each time we met for family gatherings.My thoughts and prayers are with you Sharon, now and always."