James A Vandermark

James “Jim” Allen Vandermark, 85 of Beecher, IL, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024. He was born July 14, 1938, in Lawrenceville, IL to Blaine & Marian (Greenlee) Vandermark. Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Biology from Colorado State University and then his Master of Science in Geology from Indiana University. He taught Science and Biology within the Beecher School District for 35 years. Jim is survived by his wife Wilma (Schuldt) Vandermark, with whom he shared a lifelong passion for teaching and outdoor adventures. He is preceded in death by his sister Janet (Richard) Ely and survived by his sisters Anita Huston and Marjorie Kay Dorton. He is also survived by his son Douglas (Kristine) Vandermark, daughter Amy (Clifford) Wilson; five grandchildren, Wade (Jessica) Wilson, Bethany (Nathan) Harrmann, James (Caitlin) Vandermark, Rebecca (Michael) Wilson, Kara (Brian) Ociepka; six great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Adelynn, and Wesley Harrmann, Charlotte Ociepka, and Oliver and Axel Vandermark. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. In lieu of flowers, it was Jim’s wish to have research donations to the American Diabetes Association made in his name. Services were private.