Jim J. Vanlaecke

Jim J. VanLaecke, age 58, of Elkhart, IN passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2011 at his residence. He was born on April 30, 1952 in Augsburg, Germany to Josephine & Julius VanLaecke. On July 17, 1998 he married Tamara Shackle.

Mr. Vanlaecke previously lived in Jacksonville, NC where he worked for the Jacksonville Police Department. He later resided in Mishawaka, IN, eventually moving to Elkhart, IN where he continued to work in the criminal justice field until retirement. He had a great love for his country and had served honorably in the United States Marine Corp. He was a faithful and beloved member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Goshen, a life member of the American Legion and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.

Survivors include his wife, Tamara Shackle VanLecke of Elkhart; two sisters, Jeanette(Bill) Deneve of New Carlise, IN and Julie (Tim) Witham of Mishawaka, IN; two daughters, Belinda VanLaecke of Charlotte, NC and Beth Jones of Jacksonville, NC; one son, Nick VanLaecke of Jacksonville, NC; two stepsons, Pete Bone of Camp Pendleton, CA and Craig Bone of Elkhart, IN; and one grandson, Adam VanLaecke of Jacksonville, NC.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 12 Noon in Fort Custer National Cemetery- 15501 Dickman Road; Augusta, MI 49012. Following the internment a memorial service will be held at 7PM at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church- 63983 County Road 15; Goshen, IN 46526 with Pastor Michael Curton officiating. Friends may call from 5-7 PM prior to the memorial service at the church.

Memorial contributions are to Apostolic Pentecostal Church or Mishawaka High School.