Jim Vanderwoud left this world on Nov 3, 2022 after a short but courageous fight with appendiceal cancer. He passed away at home in Windermere, FL, surrounded by family.
Jim was born June 7, 1971 to Marilyn (DeGraaf) and Roger Vanderwoud in Grand Rapids, MI. He could not wait to take on the world, and was born even before his father could park the car and walk to the delivery room. Jim attended Blandford Nature Center for gifted children and graduated “most likely to succeed” from Creston High School, Class of 1989. He pursued water polo, tennis, student government, theater, Junior Achievement, and caddied at Kent Country Club. This would lead him to receive the esteemed Evans Scholarship to attend the University of Michigan. Jim was always a proud Wolverine, a die-hard fan, and cherished the relationships with his Evans Scholars brothers and sisters.
Jim graduated U of M class of 1993 and eventually landed in Chicago, where he met his future wife Dina (Adad). They married in 2000, after which Jim received his JD from the Kent School of Law in Chicago. In 2004, they welcomed their daughter Annika and Jim became the World’s Greatest Dad. He treasured his time with Annika, his greatest joy. Together they enjoyed playing sports and music, attending concerts, and traveling. They later moved to Florida where Jim continued his practice in Real Estate Law and worked on his golf game.
Jim embraced life and did not shy away from making memories. From running the naked mile at U of M to being the sole parent jumping on the trampoline at Annika’s volleyball match, Jim kept life exciting. Asking Jim about a band was an invitation for him to share his extensive appreciation for music of all kinds. He was passionate about exploring new bands and curating and sharing his music collection.
If Jim’s personality was larger than life, his heart was larger still. He offered infinite love, enthusiasm, patience and wit to all. He explained his unwavering commitment to friends and family in part by saying, “Friendships validate your strengths” and by helping people find respect in themselves. Jim was surrounded by fun, caring, and loving friends through his final days.
Jim is survived by his mother Marilyn Kimberlin (De Graaf), wife Dina, daughter Annika, brother Mike, sister Karen (Steve) Martin, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an amazing group of friends. He is predeceased by his father Roger Vanderwoud and step-father Clarence Kimberlin.
In tribute to Jim, his family would ask that you live by his mantra of making someone happy or laugh everyday. A date to celebrate Jim’s life in Grand Rapids will be announced in the future. Stay tuned to http://www.degusipefuneralhome.com/ for updates.
In Windermere, FL a celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 18 from 2-5pm at his home.