Jim died peacefully at his home in Niles, Michigan, after a three year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was honored to be a part of three studies at the University of Chicago, contributing to finding a cure one day.
Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois, to the parents of Jack and Mary Jane (Wheeler) Vidt. He attended St. Viators Catholic High School in Arlington Heights, IL and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Jim received a baseball scholarship to attend Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, for his undergraduate studies and received his bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering from Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Jim retired from Ausco Products in Benton Harbor, Michigan, as VP of Purchasing in 2018. Prior manufacturing positions were held at Leco Corporation in St. Joseph, Michigan, Shephard Casters in St. Joseph, Michigan, the Watervliet Paper Mill, in Watervliet, Michigan, Filter Specialties in Michigan City, Indiana, and the Selmer Bach Plant in Elkhart, Indiana.
Jim was an avid hand ball player, but his passion was playing golf. He was a devout fan of the University of Michigan, the Chicago White Sox (much to his mother’s chagrin being a Cub’s fan) and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kim (Stacey) Vidt, three children – Kristin (Jerry) Middendorf, Melissa (Jim) Owens, Jamie (Kevin) Raade all in the Grand Rapids area, and four step-children – Stacey (Jason) Steffes in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Matthew (Erin) Johnson in Louisville, Kentucky, Ryan (Shelby) Forburger in Niles, Michigan, and Britney (John) Kessick in Niles, Michigan. Jim was blessed with 15 grandchildren.
A memorial golf tribute will be held this spring benefiting the Niles School Golf Team.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan.
Posted On: Thursday, December 30, 2021 9:19 AM
