James O. Grove Vitek

James O. Grove Vitek, of Lawrence, Michigan, formerly of Westmont, Illinois. Jim passed away at home with his wife, children and grandchildren by his side on Sunday, January 4, 2004. Jim was born on April 7, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Betty and Orville Grove; and stepfather of John Vitek, who raised him. Jim graduated from Downers Grove, Illinois, in 1955. Served in the Army from 1957-1960. Met and married Nancy A., nee Weinhold, in Germany in 1958. He retired in 1991 from General Motors after 36 1/2 years as an Accountant. He worked part-time at Auto Value (Parts Plus) in Paw Paw for almost six years. He enjoyed playing golf and bowling. He loved the Cubs and Bears and truly loved his Lawrence Tigers. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy. He was united in marriage to Sharon K. Conklin on September 13, 1986, and she survives. Also surviving are four daughters and two sons, Kathy A. Vitek of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sharon L. (Jon) Simon of Yorkville, Illinois, Stacy L. (Mark) Anthis of Tucson, Arizona, David J. Vitek of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Bryan K. (Angela) Wilson of Griffin, Georgia, and Sandra D. (Kris) Stakley of Benton Harbor, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy (Larry) Kilinski of Griffith, Indiana, Linda (Dan) Ehart of Downers Grove, Illinois, a brother, Ted (Marie) Vitek of Highland, Indiana; an uncle, Archie Lucas of Westmont, Illinois, an aunt, Pat Lucas of Westmont, Illinois; lots of nieces, nephews and wonderful and loving in-laws in Michigan. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2004, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Leonard Funeral Home, Lawrence, Michigan. A service to honor his memory will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2004, at the Lawrence United Methodist Church. Reverend Jane Logston will officiate. Interment will be at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, Illinois, with a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. (Illinois time), on Thursday, January 8, 2004. Toon Funeral Home of Westmont, Illinois, is in charge of the Interment. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Hospice of Southwest Michigan. ''To my Love'', You entered my life when I needed someone to love me and that you surely did. You will be missed. ''I love you'', we all love you, forever and ever until we meet again. Lovingly you wife, children, grandchildren and family.