Anthony James "Jim" Vanderhaar, 82, of Louisville went to his heavenly home on October 15th, 2022. A native of Louisville, he was born on October 8th, 1940 to the late Gus and Margaret Vanderhaar (Hamerstein).
Jim was a graduate of St. Xavier High School where he set the state record for pole vaulting in 1956. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati where he graduated with honors with a degree in Philosophy. A true renaissance man, he continued his studies in theology, philosophy, and art at The Sorbonne in Paris for several years before becoming a contractor for the United States Air Force which led to a role as a computer programmer for NASA during the Apollo missions. Jim also earned his private pilot’s license, flying many hours with friends and family. He eventually returned to his artistic calling where he built a family business designing and building commercial puppetry and constructing large seasonal displays at many shopping malls in the U.S. Jim eventually shifted his career focus to serving others as a construction manager for Habitat for Humanity where he retired in 2007.
Jim was an incredible father to his six children, and a loyal husband to his wife Mary. In New York, despite the deep challenges they faced, he put his strength and talent together to build their family home and created many magical memories for them through the construction of a basketball court, ice skating rink, dirt bike track, a half pipe for skateboarding, and a life-size playhouse, complete with heart-shaped windows. His creative skill to work with his hands, building structures of purpose and artistic delight, continues to echo through his children and grandchildren. Most importantly, as a believer in Jesus, he embodied servant leadership and led his life caring for the less fortunate. There was always a seat made available at the dinner table for those who were hungry; an extra bed for those who needed a place to sleep; and always room around the Christmas Tree for those without a family. He modeled a life of love and compassion for us all. Jim was an avid reader, known to have read a book every week since the age of 30. He practiced Centering Prayer for many, many years which gave him peace after his debilitating stroke in 1999 where he was left partially paralyzed. Those years in a wheelchair were perhaps where Jim’s light and faith shone strongest. He never complained, always had an encouraging word, and shared his faith and love despite his circumstances.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Gerard Vanderhaar, and his sister, Margaret Allen.
Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of kindness are his children, Mike Vanderhaar, Anne Vanderhaar, Margaret Vibbert (Tim), Judi Vanderhaar, Elizabeth Bryant (David), and Jimmy Vanderhaar (Meredith); the mother of his children, Mary Michalik, his sister Maria Porter; and his grandchildren, David Vanderhaar-Hunter (Laura), Maria Watson (Matt), Devin Bryant, Bryson Vanderhaar, Destiny Moore, Adrien Hunter, Alexis Bryant, Jack Vibbert, Savion Sims, Sarah Vibbert, Amelia Vanderhaar; great-grandchildren, Israel Vanderhaar, London Watson, Ishmael Vanderhaar.
The family is deeply grateful to all of his extended family at The Little Sisters of the Poor whose steadfast love and care surrounded him daily and carried him home.
His visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 20th, 2022, at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd. A private funeral service will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory are encouraged and may be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor and Habitat for Humanity.