James Vander Baan, Jr.

Whitinsville--James Vander Baan, Jr. passed away surrounded by family,  Friday, April 7 in the St. Camillus Health Care Center,  after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.  He leaves his wife of 47 years, Carla (Jessen) Vander Baan, son Marc Vander Baan and his wife Jennifer; daughter Melissa Vander Baan; and two grand-daughters, Morgan and Hanna, all of Douglas; and an aunt, Thelma Neinhuis, of Michigan and many cousins.

     Jim was born March 4, 1951 in Worcester, the only child of James and Alice (DeBoer) Vander Baan, Sr.  He graduated from 9th grade at the Whitinsville Christian School in 1966 , from  Sutton High School in 1969  and attended Northeastern University.  He served in the Army National Guard for ten years, retiring as a staff sergeant.  He was a resident of Sutton until he and Carla moved to Whitinsville in 2013.  Jim worked as a power engineer for Verizon for 31 years, retiring in 2009. 

     Jim enjoyed fishing, playing golf, boating and vacationing at the Cape.  He was a member of the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church.  He served many terms on the Whitinsville Christian School School Board and Building Committee.  He was the 2013 recipient of the Whitinsville Christian School Distinguished Alumni Award.  He found great pleasure spending time with his children and grandchildren.

     Calling Hours are Wednesday, April 12, from 4-7 in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St, Whitinsville.  Jim's Funeral will be Thursday, April 13 at 11AM in the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, Whitinsville.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rise Up and Build Fund, c/o Whitinsville Christian School, 279 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA 01588.