James Louis Vander Eyk

James Louis Vander Eyk, formerly of Plantsville, CT and Fort Pierce, FL was called by the Grand Architect of the Universe to enter the House of the Lord on September 2, 2023 in the Masonic Health Center of Wallingford.  Jim was the husband of the late Joan (Seastrand) Vander Eyk, “My Bride” for 50 wonderful years.

Jim was born on October 18, 1944 to the late Louis and Trudy (Keenan) Vander Eyk. He was a graduate of Wilby High School and Norwich University in Northfield VT where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English and  rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. After attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant, he served in Germany from 1968 to 1970 and then in the Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1973.

Jim first worked as a substitute teacher at Kennedy High School.  After that he was a man who wore many hats, working in the restaurant business and sales.  He ended his career as a tutor for The Children’s Dyslexia Center in Waterbury; his most enjoyable and rewarding job ever.  Jim also enjoyed his time as a high school and Pop Warner League football official for 18 years.

Jim was dedicated to his family, community and country.  RWB James Vander Eyk was raised as a Master Mason in Friendship Lodge #33 in Southington on March 19, 1986.  He served as Master in 1993 and also as Chaplain and Almoner.  He served the Grand Lodge as Grand Chaplain in 2012.  Jim was active in all the lodge projects and was very involved with Southington’s Apple Harvest Festival.  Jim became a member of the Scottish Rite in 1989 and served for 34 years.  He received the honor of 33rd degree in 2011 in Chicago, Illinois, the same city where his father received the honor in 1979.

Left to cherish and honor Jim’s love and memory are his sister Nancy-Lou Vander Eyk of Prospect, nephew Matt Vander Eyk and his two daughters Lylah and Lacey, as well as his close cousins Nancy Butler and Janice Cocchiola and a myriad of other cousins, nieces and nephews and their children as well as his treasured friends.

Arrangements: A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect. All those planning on attending are asked to meet directly at church. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at Prospect Cemetery. Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 5pm to 7 pm at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect, CT. Masonic Funeral Rites will begin at 6:15 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Dyslexia Center of CT, 529 Highland Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708 or to the Volunteer Fire Dept of Prospect, 26 New Haven Rd., Prospect 06712 will be gratefully appreciated.  Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is truly honored to assist Jim’s family and invite you to share your favorite memories, photos and words of comfort for the Vander Eyk family at www.prospectmemorial.com

The Vander Eyk family would like to express their appreciation to all their family, friends, the Masonic Order and the staff of Masonicare for their support and compassionate care over these past months.

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