James Vande Wettering

James A. "Jim" Vande Wettering, age 91, passed away on March 24, 2024. Jim was born in Green Bay on October 13, 1932, to John and Marie (Van De Ven) Vande Wettering. Jim lived for 2 things, sports and horses. After graduating from Freedom High School, where he played baseball, basketball and on Freedom's first football team in 1949, Jim was recruited by the Cleveland Indians. He enlisted in the Navy when the Korean Conflict started and played baseball for the Navy team from 1951 to 1955. He played 2 more seasons for the Cleveland Indians farm team in Keokuk, Iowa, after he was discharged from the Navy. Wanting to start a family, he returned to Freedom and continued to play baseball and coach Babe Ruth and Little League. Jim raised, trained, raced, and rode horses until he was in his mid-80s and enjoyed going on trail rides with his brother Blackie and other good friends. He also loved teaching his grandchildren to ride and was so proud when they went to horse shows with him. Jim loved high school sports and attended Freedom football, basketball, and baseball games until this past year. Jim retired as an electrician from Midtec (Kimberly Mill) in 1994.
Jim is survived by his children: Patti (Daniel) Coenen, Joe Vande Wettering; daughter-in-law Brenda Vande Wettering; 6 grand children: Craig (Kenlyn Bauer) Vande Wettering, Zoie Vande Wettering, Brittni (Jake) Le Noble, Taylor Vande Wettering, Natalie (Bruno) Perez and George Coenen; great-grandchildren: Liliana Vande Wettering, Chloe, Kason & Camden Le Noble, Aurella & Esmee Perez. He is further survived by two brothers and a sister, Dick (Donna) Vande Wettering, Dan (Jayne) Vande Wettering, Sue Lowney; and his Sheep's Head group at Peerenboom's.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marie; his son, Tim Vande Wettering; sister and brother-in-law Cleo (Vernon) Romenesko; brothers and sister-in-law Don "Blackie" Vande Wettering, Gary "Butch" (Patty) Vande Wettering; brother-in-law Mike Lowney; and his favorite horse, Tough Stuff.
Dad, you could not have been a better father. You coached our teams and never missed any of our events, including the band concerts. You taught us to help others and to be grateful. And most importantly, there were plenty of hugs and kisses and "I love yous."
In honoring Dad's wishes, there will be no service.
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