James R Vanderlin

Age 87, a longtime resident of Lake Station passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 26, 1937, in Butler, Pennsylvania to the late Ralph G. and Margaretta M. (nee McGann) Vanderlin. He married the love of his life Eleanor K. (nee Bowser) Vanderlin on August 24,1957. He retired in June of 1999 from Northwest Indiana Water Company, where he worked as a laboratory technician.  Jim was a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Lake Station. He loved to serve his community and was a long-time member of the Lake Station Lions Club, Calumet Athletic Officials Association, Lake Station School Board, Indiana School Board Association, National School Board Association (Central Region Director), Elks, Lake Station Plan Commission Board of Zoning Appeals, Indiana State Department of Education, Gary JC's , Old Timers Club, North Shore Board, Text Book Adoption Committee , Highschool Today Publications and Northwest Special Education Corporation. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Holcomb.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 yrs. Eleanor K. Vanderlin of Lake Station; two daughters, Kimberly (Jeff) Kincaid of Lake Station and Kelly (David) Schmelzer of Valparaiso; three grandchildren, Lindsay (Nick) Perez, Katie Schmelzer and Kristopher Schmelzer; two great grandchildren, Lucy and Max Perez; two sisters, Mary Ewen and Sally (Dennis) Wilkins and many other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Vanderlin.

A funeral service for Jim will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:00 am with Kimberly Kincaid officiating at Community Presbyterian Church 2800 Fayette Street, Lake Station, Indiana 46405. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 2:00-8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342. For more information call 219-942-2109 or online condolences can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com