James Vahlsing

James "Jim" Vahlsing passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025 at home in Milford, DE after succumbing to his battle with cancer. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Anne Vahlsing, and their four children: Maureen Anne McManus (Christopher Lee McManus), Kathryn Elizabeth Conant (John Conant), James Michael Vahlsing, and Suzanne Lynn Vahlsing. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren – Zachary, Travis, Patrick, Timothy, Michael, Matthew, Vivian, Joshua, Abigail, Molly and Tessa –and one great-grandchild, Ayra.
Jim was born James Wilder in Manhattan, New York, NY to Isabelle Rodgers and James Wilder, and was later adopted by John Vahlsing. He attended school in Brooklyn, NY, before joining the United States Air Force.
After completing basic training, Jim was assigned to Syracuse University where he learned Russian culture and language. He served in several duty stations, including San Antonio, Alaska, Berlin, and Maryland, before taking a position as an intelligence analyst with the US Government.
On November 25th, 1965, Jim married his beloved wife, Patricia, in Brooklyn, NY. The newlyweds moved to Maryland, where Jim worked at Ft. Meade, MD and attended the University of Maryland to complete his college education.
Jim's career afforded him the opportunity to travel to multiple countries across 3 continents, and he embraced every opportunity to experience different cultures, cuisines and, of course, the local golf courses!
A lifelong sports fan, Jim's love for the Brooklyn Dodgers was sadly curtailed when they moved to LA. He quickly became the best "armchair coach" for all teams Baltimore and Maryland, shouting expert advice at the television on a regular basis.
Art, bowling, history, and reading were just a few of Jim's pastimes, but golf and all things water-related were his greatest joys. He also enjoyed singing with groups and spending time with friends, both old and new.
Jim was a kind and thoughtful family man, a proud American, a follower of Christ, a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather, and a true friend.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE, where our favorite memories of Jim will be shared. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the next day, on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE.
Chapel Committal Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the Vahlsing family kindly requests donations to :
Keep Punching: cancer research, or to the St. Jude the Apostle Building Fund.
FLORIST NOTE - PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS ON THURSDAY MAY 22 2025 BY 11 AM AT THE LEWES LOCATION.
Please sign Jim's tribute wall at this site.