James Vander Lugt, the son of Hubert and Grace Vander Lugt, was born on a farm near Leota, MN on June 3, 1938.  When he was three years old, his family moved to a farm near Edgerton, MN.  Jim attended the Christian schools in Edgerton.  He graduated from Southwest Christian High School in 1956.  He joined the United States Air Force in 1957.  Part of his service was in Turkey.  He received an honorable discharge in 1960.  Jim then moved to Denver, Colorado to work for the McKesson and Robinson Pharmaceutical Company.  Jim was united in marriage to Nathalee Nelson on November 30, 1963.  They moved to Edgerton, MN and farmed on his parent's farm.  In 2002 Jim retired, but continued to help his sons on their farms.  Jim loved farming, reading, gardening, and coin collecting.  Jim was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Edgerton, MN.  He served on the school board, bank board, nursing home board, and 4-H board.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa.  He took much pride in watching his grandchildren in their activities. 
   Jim is survived by his wife, Nathalee.  They had a strong, loving union.  They were married for almost 59 years.  Jim is also survived by his three sons:  Alan (JoLynn) Vander Lugt of rural Edgerton, MN; Stan (Sara) Vander Lugt of Shakopee, MN; Kent (Kim) Vander Lugt of rural Edgerton, MN.  Jim's six granchildren are; Megan, Marcus, and Philip (Alan and JoLynn), Isabella and Abigail (Stan and Sara), and Kylie (Kent and Kim).
   Jim is survived by his two younger siblings; John (Joanne) Vander Lugt and Dorothy (Daryl) Baar, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
  He was preceded in death by his parents: Hubert and Grace Vander Lugt, Brother: Pete (Lauretta) Vander Lugt, Sisters: Marie (Henry) Dyk, Johanna (Willis) Wieberdink, and Alma (Don) DeVries.