James A. VandeSand, of Elkhorn, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, after several years of failing health. Jim was born in Burlington on May 18, 1938, the oldest child of Aloysius J. and Henrietta K. (Mangold) VandeSand. Jim now joins his parents, his first wife, Kay, and their daughter, Cynthia K. (Mike) Vos, in eternity.
Jim was united in marriage to Kay B. Pearce on July 23, 1960, and together they raised a family of three children. Kay passed away on April 24, 2003. He later married Sharon A. (Potter) Fell on Aug. 21, 2004. Following marriage, they moved from Burlington to Elkhorn, where they made many new friends and enjoyed their retirement years. Jim was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington before moving to Elkhorn, where he joined St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Jim grew up loving the game of baseball, a love that continued throughout his life. He played baseball every chance he had while growing up and was selected to the American Legion Junior Baseball team at the age of 12. In 1954, Burlington High School began interscholastic competition, and Jim was a member of that first team. He was proud of his outstanding high school baseball career and earned his first letter as a sophomore. Two more letters were earned during the following two years. However, he eventually had to give up organized baseball when it became necessary to earn money to pay for his college education.
Jim attended St. Charles Grade School, graduated from Burlington High School in 1956, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1960, with minors in accounting, economics, and geography. Jim’s profession was as an accountant, and he was employed as an officer with a number of companies during his 41-year full-time career. His last employment was as a part-time employee of Reineman’s True Value in Burlington.
Outside of work, Jim was a charter member of the Burlington Jaycees. Other interests included collecting United States coins, travel, and family time. He avidly followed the many school activities and sporting events of his children and later his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Sharon; son Richard “Rick” J. and wife Yvonne of Waukesha with their daughters, Kristin (Micah) Luster and Stefani (Reed) Styza; daughter Kathryn ”Kathy” J. Strzyzewski and husband Paul of Mukwonago with their children, Emily (Cory) Knutson, Aaron (Abigail) Strzyzewski, and Amanda Strzyzewski; son-in-law Mike Vos with his children, Ryan (Liz) Vos, and Kaitlyn (Dave) Lunetta; step-children Philip J. Fell, Wayne (Mary) Fell, Beth (Scott) Tomaske, and Amy (Aaron) Ketterhagen; their children, Robyn (Rob) Gauger, Abby Fell, Michael Fell, Emily Fell, Amanda (Kevin) Skornia, Marcus Tomaske, Anna (Mike) Casey, Nathan (Shannon) Dickinson, and Madison (Elliot) Dickinson; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Eileen (John) Brown, John (JoAnn) VandeSand and Annette VandeSand; sister-in-law Maryon Tharp, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Jim was further preceded in death by his brothers Gene and Don, sister Marge Kitkowski, and nephews Chris Kitkowski, Mike Kitkowski, and Steve Brown.
Services were previously held. Jim was laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Patrick’s Catholic Church of Elkhorn or St. Charles Catholic Church of Burlington would be appreciated.
Jim’s family would like to thank the many friends and family members for their support and prayers during the past several months. Also, thank you to Geneva Lake Manor and Holton Manor nursing homes for the loving care and consideration Jim and Sharon both received. God bless all of you.
Services were entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. For online condolences, please visit www.integrityfunerals.net.