CHARDON – James Vieland, age 74, of Chardon, passed away Dec. 21, 2020, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center of COVID-19, with family by his side.
Born June 24, 1946, in Cleveland, to John P. and Julie (nee Lakatos) Vieland, he had been a lifelong area resident.
Jim grew up in the Buckeye neighborhood in Cleveland, where, according to childhood friends, he was the “toughest kid on Buckeye,” and always stood up for the underdog — a trait he carried throughout life.
He graduated from Benedictine High School in 1965, was drafted and served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He traveled to Vietnam with the equipment on a merchant marine ship and encountered the tail end of a typhoon, making for quite an adventure.
Sergeant Vieland was a gunner in the 7th Battalion 13th Artillery. He was happy to have reconnected with his brothers in arms in recent years and enjoyed attending reunions and weekly zoom calls.
Jim was blessed to return home and married his high-school sweetheart, Joyce. They moved to Chardon, were married for 52 years and built a beautiful life together. He was a devoted family man and a man of strong faith.
He had a gift for making everyone feel special and always knew just what to say or do. He was the first to call when help was needed.
Jim was incredibly patient and always the voice of calm and reason, even in the midst of utter chaos.
He worked as a senior scheduler with ABB until his retirement.
He and Joyce enjoyed traveling in their retirement and spending time with family and friends.
Jim was an avid golfer, having achieved a few holes-in-one and a double eagle. He was also an accomplished accordionist, having played since childhood — not everyone could turn Margaritaville or Silent Night into a polka.
Along with his wife, Jim was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chardon.
Aside from his wife, Joyce (nee Kulling), of Chardon, survivors include children, Jennifer Vieland Artz, of Fairport Harbor, and James (Jessica) Vieland Jr., of Lancaster, Pa.; and grandchildren, Josiah, Greta, Simeon and Ayla Vieland.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, John Vieland Jr.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jim’s memory to Benedictine High School, 2900 Martin Luther King Drive, Cleveland, OH 44104; or St. Mary’s Church, 401 North St., Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Potti & Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes of Chardon, Painesville, Madison & Fairport Harbor. Obituary, online condolences and memorial gifts available at www.marcfburrfuneralhome.com.
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