The Vander Sande family sadly announces that on March 9th, 2018, James J. Vander Sande Sr. of Lake Worth, FL passed away in West Palm Beach at the age of 82. Originally from Garfield, NJ where he lived until moving to Lake Worth in 2007. Jim was raised by his parents Louis & Julia, and was part of a large family which included five sisters and one brother. Jim graduated from Garfield High School in 1954 where he received nine varsity letters in football, basketball & baseball. In 1955 he joined the US Army and served honorably while stationed in Korea. Jim returned to Garfield after his discharge, and began working in construction. He worked for Hoffmann-La Roche in Clifton for several years while studying for his undergraduate degree. Jim received his bachelor's degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1967. He then began his career with Witco Chemical Corp in the accounting/finance department where he worked for 30 years, retiring in 1997. After retiring from Witco, Jim worked for H&R Block in Lantana, FL for over 10 years, and moved to Lake Worth permanently in 2007. A gifted athlete and avid sports enthusiast, Jim was elected to the Garfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. He enjoyed golfing and loved spending his spare time at his beach house on the Jersey shore with his family. He was also a dedicated NY Yankees & Giants fan. Jim was a long time parishioner of the First Presbyterian Church in Garfield. Jim was a loving and devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Carmelita (Giunta) Vander Sande;  three sons James Jr. & wife Cynthia, Kenneth & wife Deborah, Louis & wife Phyllis; sisters Sally Daubenberger, Mae Joyce Calendrillo & Patricia Bradford; sister-in-law Louise Vander Sande; seven grandchildren Kristen, David, Kara, Kenneth Jr, Michael, Christina & Tyler; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father Louis; mother Julia (Antolik); brother Frank and sisters Eleanore Figula & Doris Williams. Arrangements will be handled by Palm Beach National Chapel in Lake Worth. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday March 14, 2018 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday March 15.