AKRON – Donald James “Jim” Vandermark, 70, Akron, died at 7:34 p.m. Dec. 26, 2015, at his residence after a battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 30, 1945, in Pensacola, Fla., to Orville and Helen Grossnickle Vandermark. On Jan. 20, 1990, at the Akron Church of God, he married Pamela S. Day, who survives in Akron. He owned Vandermark Heating and Plumbing, North Manchester, and was head of the park department in North Manchester for a few years. He graduated in 1963 from Manchester High School. He then attended Manchester College and later graduated from Ball State University. He played basketball, baseball and football in high school and football at Manchester College. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees, serving from July 30, 1969, to Jan. 18, 1972, with two tours in Vietnam. He was a member of the North Manchester American Legion. He played softball in adult leagues for many years, playing third base. He loved to watch his sons, stepsons and grandchildren at sporting events. He liked to watch IU, Notre Dame, Cubs and the Colts play as well as his beloved Yankees. He enjoyed sitting at the “round table” at the coffee shop discussing many topics. Also surviving are five sons: Jared (and spouse Kimberly) Vandermark, Shreveport, La.; David (and spouse Donna) Vandermark, Blue Springs, Mo.; David (and spouse Angela) Madeford and Scott (and spouse Tiffany) Cooksey, all of Akron; and Kevin (and spouse Carrie) Cooksey, Silver Lake; a daughter, Leann (and spouse John) Carr, Hardeeville, S.C.; 10 grandchildren: Vince and Lorelai Vandermark; Devin, Thane, Bryce Madeford, Ian and Ella Cooksey; and Alyx, Blake and Lillian Cooksey; two sisters, Nancy (and spouse Neil) Tate, North Manchester, and Judy (and spouse Jerry) Judjahn, Glendale, Ariz.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor JP Freeman and the Rev. Dr. Tara Bidwell Hornbacker officiating. Military rites will be performed after the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Akron Cemetery. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Wounded Warrior Fund or the Akron Church of God. Condolences via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
