Prairie State Wire

Orland Park - James (Jim) Edward Zuidema, 70, of Orland Park, peacefully passed away on January 7th, 2025, after bravely battling colon cancer, surrounded by his son, daughter, and grandson at home.

Born in Chicago on December 15th, 1954, to the late Herman Cornelius Zuidema and Beverly Jane Zuidema, Jim was the middle child of his siblings including the late Judy Brown, Sandra, the late William Plikuhn, Janice, the late Thomas Witt, and Kimberly Zuidema. He is survived by his children Michael and Jamie, and five grandchildren: Dom, Annie, Joseph, TJ, and Ben.

Jim followed in his father's footsteps, working as a tanker truck driver for over 30 years. He had a passion for car shows and riding motorcycles. Overcoming alcohol and smoking, Jim found joy in biking, particularly an 8-mile ride every couple of days. His love for broccoli and popsicles reflected his personality, while barbecues with his son and hearing about his grandkids brought him happiness.

In honoring Jim's wishes, there will not be memorial services. Jim will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on until they meet again.

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