James W. Vander Ploeg

HOLDEN - James W. Vander Ploeg, 59, of Holden, passed away at his home after a long illness on Thursday, July 29, 2010. He leaves his wife of 34 years, Patricia "Trish" A. (O'Leary) Vander Ploeg; his two daughters, Julie A. Callanan & her husband Dr. Jon S. Callanan of Waltham and Jessica L. Vander Ploeg, Esq. & her husband Michael E. Siedlecki, Esq. of Holden; his three sisters, Arlene & her husband Michael Peterson of Alto, Michigan, Beth & her husband Daniel Vander Ploeg of Hudsonville, Michigan, and Wendy & her husband Edward Vander Brug of Woburn; his beloved grandson, Sean T. Callanan; and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Walter Y. Vander Ploeg, his mother, Hermina J. (Rienstra) Vander Ploeg and his grandson, Patrick J. Callanan.

He was born in Whitinsville and attended Whitinsville Christian School and graduated from Northbridge High School. He earned an architectural engineering degree from Wentworth College in Boston. James spent his entire career with Pelletier and Sons where he project managed in the construction industry. Many of his jobs included work that makes up the Boston skyline. He was an avid downhill and cross country ski enthusiast. He was the former president of the Worcester Ski Club and member of the Holden Bill Koch cross country ski league. He was also a former Ranger for Wachusett Mountain and enjoyed winter vacationing with his family in Stowe, VT. James had a passion for sailing and his family shares fond memories of their sailboat kept in Jamestown, RI.

James was a 27 year resident of Holden, where he designed and built his beautiful home. He was a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church where he served as a former vestry member. He also enjoyed coaching his daughters' Holden CRA Basketball and Softball teams over the years. As an active outdoors person, several of his hobbies included scuba diving, snowshoeing, cycling, kayaking, watching Patriots games and spending time with his family and friends. While James' passing is surrounded by sadness, his family will forever be proud of his fight for life. James overcame serious disabilities from a stroke in 2003 and fought a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma since 2006. James will always be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, his positive attitude, contagious spirit and dedication to his family. Many thanks are given to the staff and Doctors of Dana Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4th, in St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland Street (Rte. 31), Holden. Donations in his memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445; or UMass Memorial Home Health & Hospice, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com