James Anthony Vidas

In Loving Memory of Jim Vidas, (AKA) Grumpy. Jim passed away peacefully at home in his black recliner with one of his many Grumpy shirts on. He had been suffering from complications from congestive heart failure since October. He was a true fighter and considered by doctors, and everyone who knew him, a walking miracle. He was a miracle from the moment he was born, weighing just over 1 pound at birth, 12/9/1950. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois to Lucille & Tony Vidas who have since passed. I know they were rejoicing when he once again gave his mom and dad a hug. He has a brother, David Vidas who was his one and only sibling. Some of his best times were spent with his brother playing baseball together. As time went on it went from just him and his brother to each one of them having wives and families of their own. Life just got better as we would all spend time together.

Jim married his best friend Ann DeMuro in 1970. They owned a Seven Eleven store in Illinois and in that store is where they had their honeymoon. My mom could tell you many many stories about Jim. One of the funny stories is when she would pick out clothes for him to wear that did not match, and he did not know the difference because he was color blind. He had several cars, he loved cars and loved to street race. The ones he liked the best were Challenger and Mustang, which are also the ones he had for the shorted amount of time because of his love for street racing, let’s just say he is fair share of accidents. Ann just never knew what car would be in the garage from one month to the next.

Jim and Ann moved to Arizona in 1974, bought the home on Country Gables in Phoenix Arizona and that is where Joe, Shane and Karen grew up. The 3 of us kids learned so much from our dad. He taught us all to love one another, don't hold grudges, say what you mean to say, do what you want to do, be a bit stubborn (because it pays off) and live life. My dad was a dad to so many, he was the man many of our friends would go to when they needed someone to listen and be the voice of reason. He was the dad that some our friends never had. He allowed (well not sure if he allowed) all of our friends to hang out at our house....we were the "kool-aid" house. Kids in and out all of the time. He allowed us to be kids and taught us right from wrong. He had the kindest heart, but when he meant business you knew it. He only had to tell us ONCE.

Dad was also dedicated to his job at Mechtronics/Ducommon. He taught us kids what true work ethic is. He was one of those bosses that anyone would love to have. When he had retired after 36 years of working there he was a supervisor to many wonderful people and had made some amazing fiends. A recent work reunion was one of the highlights of this year for him. He talked about how great it was to see everyone.

Dad became a grandfather to Kyle and Courtney and his whole world changed. I think he liked them more than his own kids. They always had grandpa wrapped around their finger. He supported them and loved them through every step of their lives. He attended many school events, sports games, cheer competitions, bike races, birthdays, graduations and the list goes on. He would not miss spending time with them. Kyle and Courtney could always count on him and losing him leaves a huge void in their lives. I am so thankful that they got to really know him and that he was able to enjoy them as well.

Dad recently got to see Shane marry the love of his life Yanna. Dad truly loved her, and once again he became the dad to her that she never had. You could tell how much he loved her, he would just smile when she came around. Once again his heart was so full of love, we are truly blessed!

Dad had many interest in life, bowling, fishing (with his dad) then with his grandkids, playing golf, quad riding, boating, jet skiing, and going to casinos. He loved to gamble...

That was one thing that him and my mom loved to do together and in their younger years they loved to go to the racetrack together. They would often take off on weekend trips to Laughlin or Vegas. My dad’s love for cars never faded, he had some of the coolest cars and we all knew never to bring food or drinks in his vehicles. He was the man who would dust off his car every night after work. His cars have always been immaculate and well taken care of. One of his other loves was the ocean and anything nautical. We often took vacations to San Diego, he loved shopping at Fisherman's Warf and walking on the boardwalks. As a family we also took a fabulous 2 week trip to Hawaii! Imagine 11 of us traveling for 2 weeks, the large pile of luggage was a site to see and the memories we made there will be with us for a lifetime.

Dad also had a huge heart for his dogs! He would wait and pick out just the right dog for him, he always chose rescue animals and when he saw Phoenix with her big tongue hanging out the side of her mouth he said " That’s her, that’s the dog I want" She became his and let me tell you she was well loved. She is going to miss him so much.

Jim was also a huge sports fan, die hard Notre Dame, Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. When the games were on he invited us to watch with him but he would not change the channel or go out especially when the big games were on!

My dad was very much a routine man. Each day at 11:00 am I knew him and Joe would be eating lunch, 5:00 pm he would be eating his dinner & Thursdays were his cleaning day.

Speaking of routines Joe and he had these routines together, each day was the same. This loss in our family will deeply affect Joe. The 2 of them had quite the bond and dad would always tell me how much Joe does for him, especially since dad had been sick. Joe was there for him every step of the way preparing better meals for him and going above and beyond to make sure dad was taken care of. I know how much this meant to dad!

Losing our dad is going to leave a huge hole in our hearts, he has been our rock, our security, our voice of reason and so much more. We can all say that we learned so much from him and have been blessed beyond measure to have such and incredible man in our lives. Everyone that knows him would agree he was a kind, loving and gentle man.

God sure did BLESS us for many many years. Although we would like to have had him around for many many more, we are happy that he is at peace and safe.

Jim leaves behind his brother Dave (Maureen) Best Friend/life partner Ann DeMuro, Mother-in-law Blanche DeMuro, Brother in-law Frank DeMuro, Sons Joe and Shane (Yanna), Daughter Karen, Grandchildren Kyle & Courtney, Nieces Alex Greene, Missy Vidas, Nephew Michael Vidas, Great Niece and Nephew Abby and Tony.

How Lucky are We, to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard

Rest in Peace Dad, Jim, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend.

You will forever be in our hearts.

1950-2019