Obituary of James 'Jim' Vanderleeuw

Please use the link to view Jim's livestreamed service HERE

In the early morning of Jan 8, 2023, Jim went peacefully to be with his Lord. He was the devoted and proud husband of Wilma for 58 years and beloved dad to Leslie Vanderleeuw (Erik Spande), M James Vanderleeuw (Mauricia Matewish), Christie Eby (Joel) and Sherri Vanderleeuw (Mike Hagan).

Jim enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren, Maddison Eby and Logan Eby.  He loved to watch Maddison dance and enjoyed golfing with Logan.  Jim was fortunate enough to gain two step-grandsons, Dylan Hagan, and Matthew Hagan.

Jim is survived by much loved brother John Vanderleeuw (Mary) and sisters Tena Kielstra, Margaret Nywening (Wiebe), Florence Schaafsma (Stuart).    He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born in 1944 in Friesland, Netherlands, Jim emigrated to Ontario, Canada at age 6 with his family.  He joined the Royal Canadian Airforce in 1962, married Wilma in 1964 and served as an RCAF navigator until 1972.  Post RCAF, Jim spent the rest of his career working in private industry as a Management Consultant and was well known by all he encountered as “the guy with the open door” policy.

Jim was a dedicated member of the Winnipeg Christian Reformed Church before relocating his family to Waterloo in 1988.  He was a very active member of the Waterloo CRC devoting his time to multiple committees, church council and the “Out of the Cold” program.  He really loved singing with “The Joyful Noise” group and the Wayne Gilpin singers. 

Jim loved all things flight including running the Gimli, MB airshow and visiting any air museum or attending any air show he could find (sometimes much to the chagrin of whichever child was dragged along).  Jim fulfilled a lifelong dream by getting his pilot’s license late in life.  He loved any excuse to take people up in the air and never tired of sharing his newfound skills.

Jim was an athlete loving baseball (known as the “left-handed chucker”), riding his bike everywhere (often showing up at his destination drenched), roller blading, golfing, and walking a million miles an hour.  He was often seen zooming to the golf course with his clubs or a pool cue on the back of his motorbike!  Jim would go to great lengths to play a round of golf or rack the balls on a pool table.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held at the Waterloo Christian Reform Church, 209 Bearinger Rd Waterloo on Saturday January 14, 2023, from 12-1 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow beginning at 1 p.m.

Special thanks to the staff on the 6^th floor at St. Mary’s hospital for their wonderful care.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Mary’s Foundation/ support of purchasing an MRI may be arranged at www.erbgood.com.