WILLIS JAMES VANDYKE SR., age 69, of Washington CH, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
He was born on February 13, 1948 in Athens, Ohio to George and Daisy VanDyke. He was employed by ABX Air for twenty-seven years, and Pennington’s Bakery for fifteen years. He was married to his wife, Pamela VanDyke for forty-six years and they shared two children together, Willis (Jimmy) VanDyke Jr., and Kristi VanDyke. Jim loved being a grandfather to his four grandchildren; Jimmy, Adam, MaryKate, and Sierra.
Jim was known as a very outgoing, fun, loving man. He was friendly to everyone he came in contact with and when you spoke to those who worked with him for years they would always say, “he was a good man” and “I loved that guy”. He spoke the word “love”, freely and openly to those he knew and loved. His favorite phrase was, “how are you today, it’s good to see you, love you and have a good day.” And He meant every word of it. He worked hard his entire life to provide for his family and loved each and every family member with his entire heart. For those that knew Jim, they will remember him for being a great man. Jim was in the Army and served his country during the Vietnam War.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Daisy VanDyke, and two brothers; Wilbur VanDyke, and William (Bill) VanDyke.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela VanDyke; his son Willis (Jimmy) VanDyke Jr. (Lori), his daughter Kristi VanDyke; his grandson’s, Willis (Jimmy) VanDyke III(McKenna), grandson, Adam VanDyke, grand-daughters, Mary Kate VanDyke and Sierra Rodriguez, sisters, Willa Jean Hawk, Jackie VanDyke and Wanda Dorr. Also surviving brother-n-laws, sister-n-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Summers Funeral Home with Mike Skaggs officiating with burial to follow at the Sugar Grove Methodist Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5-8:00 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com