James Vangelder

James Vangelder, 62, of Lynnfield passed on September 4, 2017 surrounded by loving family.

Born in Melrose on August 8, 1955, to John and Irene Vangelder, Jim attended Lynnfield Public Schools where he pitched for the high school baseball team. He enjoyed participating in the Order of Demolay and he was proudly named a Master Councilor of the Lynnfield Chapter. He also attended North Shore Community College. Jim enjoyed 34 years of employment with General Electric alongside his friends and coworkers and also was a proud firefighter for the town of Lynnfield for 15 years.

Jim was most at home in nature and truly enjoyed going for walks, camping and most of all fishing. He loved to go on adventure trips to nowhere and cruising to paradise. He also enjoyed golf and riding his motorcycle. He loved all animals but will be especially missed by his dog Shadow. Jim will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his sense of adventure and most of all his unwavering love for his family.

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara. He is also survived by his daughter Lindsay Nickel and her husband Jeffrey and son Thomas from Leominster and son Jay Vangelder and his two children Tyler and Lila of Beverly. His siblings include Jeanne Amero and John Vangelder both of New Hampshire.

Jim was fortunate as a child to be sponsored to attend the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp. This fostered his love and respect of nature. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp, P.O. Box 306, Northborough, MA 01532. Memorial contributions will fund a scholarship for a young person from anywhere in the state to experience the camp that had such a great and lasting impact on Jim's life, please include the memo "James Vangelder Student Scholarship".

Services are private.