James Henry Ver Velde, 87, of Sheboygan, passed away at home on Sunday, December 31, 2023 after a long illness. James was born to the late Henry and Alma (Claussen) Ver Velde in Sheboygan on July 11, 1936. He attended St. George’s grade school, a rural one room school house that he walked 3 or 4 miles to every day after his morning chores on the farm. He graduated from Oostburg High School where he enjoyed high school sports. A cherished lighthearted moment that added a humorous touch to his early education was when his grade school teacher said, “Jim, you’re the smartest boy in the class.” Perhaps this was because his class consisted of only three students, or perhaps it was because he was the lone boy in the class. He went on to serve in the United States Army, stationed in England for two years, during the Korean Conflict. Jim was a production worker for 41 years at Bolens-Garden Way, retiring in 1997. A passion of his was gardening; he loved planting and watching things grow. On June 8, 1973, Jim was united in marriage to Hilly in Green Bay. Jim was a member of Immaculate Conception Men’s Club and the Old Timers Baseball Association.
Jim is survived by children, Robert Ver Velde, Kim Ver Velde and Kerry Stark (Ver Velde); stepchildren, Peter (Shelly) Sjollema, Lori Sjollema and Paul (Wibke) Sjollema; grandchildren, Melissa, Angela (Keith), Jessica, Dylan (Candela), Anika (Sheiny), Daniel, Odinn, Jaydon and Alena; four great-grandchildren and sister, Loraine Oetzel.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene (Marilyn) Ver Velde; sister, Marion (Tony) Shircel; brothers-in-law, Myron Oetzel, John Adema, Jerry Wriedt and Broer (Grace) Adema; and his parents.
A Memorial Mass for Jim will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12th St., Sheboygan, with Fr. Paul Fliss officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and to Dr. Bettag for his wonderful care.
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