James Melvin Vasconcelles

James Melvin Vasconcelles, 84, of Springfield, died on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. The son of Harold J. and Elizabeth (Kail) Vasconcelles, Jim was born on April 19, 1939 and married Melinda Lynch on August 25, 1962, in Springfield, IL.

Jim graduated from Lanphier High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Upon graduation, Jim was an engineer with the Illinois Commerce Commission, obtained his professional engineer’s license, and subsequently opened the first Chicago-area office for Alan Vorhees and Associates. Returning to Springfield as City Traffic Engineer, Jim spent the remainder of his career here with his growing family. In 1974, Jim formed an engineering consulting firm, subsequently Vasconcelles Engineering Corporation, where he continued as President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement in 2017. For many years throughout his career, he also taught civil engineering courses at Springfield College in Illinois.

Jim, along with his beloved wife Melinda, was a charter member of Hope Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the American Business Club. A long-time member of the Springfield Motor Boat Club, Island Bay Yacht Club, and Sangamo Club, Jim enjoyed motorboating, sailing and tennis. He travelled frequently with his family, including extensively across Europe. Jim particularly relished visits to Madeira, Portugal and Normandy, France. Many trips stateside were either visiting grandchildren or sharing vacations with family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Melinda Vasconcelles of Springfield; daughter, Anne E. (James) Reinhart of Springfield; sons, Michael J. (Martina) Vasconcelles of Wellesely, MA, Mark T. (Cara) Vasconcelles of Springfield, and Matthew L. (Ashley) Vasconcelles of Newnan, GA; grandchildren, Andrew, Emily, Alexander, Ryan, Julia, Oliver, Adam, Molly, Ethan, and Charles; sisters, Linda Wilken and Lois Wells; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends and acquaintances from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut St., Springfield; Reverend Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, or online.