South Cook News

Homewood - James C. Van Vlymen, aged 75, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025, at his home in Homewood. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites have been completed. A memorial visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home in Homewood, Illinois.

James, born on June 20, 1949, in Evergreen Park, was the son of Cecil J. and Dorothy M. (Gernert) Van Vlymen. He graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1967 and later attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where he met his wife, Patricia K. Foust. They married on May 29, 1971, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

After college, James returned to the Chicagoland area to work at the family business, Southgate Distributing. He shared his love for the water, boating, and scuba diving with his family and was known for his culinary skills, particularly his smoked ribs and homemade barbecue sauce.

James leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Patricia; children Rochelle Van Vlymen, James (Holly) Van Vlymen, and Kirsten (Jesus) Vargas; grandchildren Daniel, Skye, Luke, Logan, and Jayden; as well as the family's loyal yellow lab, Koda Kay.

For more information, visit tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300. Memorial Trees in memory of James C. Van Vlymen can be planted in the Sympathy Store.

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