James M. Vantassel

Dr. James M. VanTassel

Jim VanTassel, 85, made an impromptu exit from this world early December 11, 2021. Laurel, his wife of 44 years, provided loving support and companionship for him at their home in Fishers as Jim’s strength and mobility declined over the past year.

Jim was born in Detroit, MI on August 16, 1936, to Francis and Elaine VanTassel. “The Professor” grew up in Kalamazoo, where (legend has it) he had read every book in the entire local library before he reached middle school.  The 1954 Kalamazoo State High School yearbook notes his signature dry wit and fashion sense – a description that remained true throughout his life. The caption under his Senior photo reads, “Good manners and knowledge maketh a man.”

Jim graduated from Western Michigan Univ. and earned a PhD in Education from Michigan State University.  He was frequently deep in thought. Jim was known to not only keep meticulous records of finances, but also for tracking seemingly arbitrary data, like the daily mileage on his running shoes. He was passionately frugal, open-minded, and an advocate for the underprivileged with an endearing unwillingness to go with the grain.  He furthered his commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities by proudly serving on the board of directors for DAMAR Services for over 33 years.

A notorious night owl, he could regularly be heard chit chatting with Laurel in the wee hours of the morning. He was never one to leave a party early, and (if he was on a roll) “Party Jim,” might not let you get a word in edgewise.  He was notorious for comedic one-liners that only a man with his charm could (mostly) get away with saying.  Unforgettably, he proclaimed to a group of his daughter’s friends (guys in their mid-twenties with freshly receding hairlines) that he in his 70s, was “winning the hair contest.” Jim enjoyed getting dressed up, even for a Tuesday night dinner in his own kitchen.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa, sons Eric (Shelly) and Tim (Shannon), granddaughter Ava, and brother Jerry (Mary).  He is preceded in death by son David and a life’s worth of his beloved canine companions.

Please celebrate Jim by wearing a cashmere sweater (make sure it was on sale) and by donating to DAMAR Services or The Humane Society.