James “Jim” Lee Vander Heyden, 68, of Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on June 6, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 3, 1957, in Winter Haven, he was the beloved son of the late Lee and Bette Vander Heyden.

Jim faced his illness with unwavering strength, meeting each challenge head-on and celebrating every hard-won victory along the way. He never gave up, and his resilience inspired all who knew him.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved fishing—whether in freshwater lakes or the open sea—and never passed up a chance to cast a line or go lobstering alongside his many friends. In his younger years, he also enjoyed golfing with family and friends, and he always appreciated a good meal shared in good company.

Jim was a skilled builder by trade and by passion. Over the years, he constructed homes, commercial properties, and personal projects, often working alongside his father and brothers-in-law. He also spent several years as an insurance adjuster and had a short stent as a long-haul truck driver. In his later years, Jim found fulfillment working as a handyman in Orchid Springs, where he was well-loved and deeply appreciated by the community for his dependable work and kind spirit.

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. He worked tirelessly to support his loved ones and found his greatest joy in their happiness and success. His strong work ethic, humility, and quiet generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Bette Vander Heyden; his in-laws, Walter and Kathleen Shults; his brother, Robert Vander Heyden; and sisters-in-law Sandy Vander Heyden, Doreen VanWarmer, Pamela Andrade, and Kathy Paremsky.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Robin L. Vander Heyden; his children: James Jr. “Jimmy,” Michael (Donna), Courtney (Travis) Robinson, and Katelynn Vander Heyden; his brother, Jerry Vander Heyden; and sister, Amanda Vander Heyden. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Mike (Cindy) Paremsky, Walter “Butch” (Carol) Shults Jr., Jeff (Angie) Shults, Todd (Trish) Shults, and David (Tracy) Shults; sisters-in-law Gale (Bill) Bebo and Diane Schroder; 10 cherished grandchildren; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A interment service and columbarium ceremony will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Winter Haven, FL on July 24, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Catering Company of Central Florida at 4:30 p.m. 

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