Obituary of James W. Van Der Meid

Wayland – Livonia – James W. Van Der Meid, 73 years of age, passed away at Rochester General Hospital Tuesday July 18, 2023. Jim was born December 28, 1949 in Rochester the son of William and Shirley (Drain) Van Der Meid. He grew up in Livonia and was a Livonia resident until the late 1990’s. On June 3, 2000 Jim and Shirley Ellis were married and have celebrated over 23 years together. Jim’s entrepreneurial career spanned a few different areas. He enjoyed success early on in the family dairy equipment business at Van Der Meid Dairy Equipment in Livonia, building homes for several years, partners in the Car Corral used car business, owner of Wayland Family Auto Center and finally retiring as a distributor / franchise owner for Mac Tools. Jim also served in United States National Guard. His hobbies included part of his career work, building and remodeling houses and fixing cars. Wintering in Myrtle Beach was a lifelong dream he and Shirley accomplished; his garage was his man cave!; and his favorites were Diet Pepsi and chocolate chip cookies. Jim was pre-deceased by his parents, William and Shirley Van Der Meid; and his father in law, Donald Ellis. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley Van Der Meid of Wayland; his son Michael (Kristine) Van Der Meid of Livonia; his daughter Nicole Van Der Meid of Pittsford; his grandchildren, Samantha Morris and Mikayla Van Der Meid; his sister, Lynda Robinson of Lyons; his mother in law, Lucille Ellis of Wayland; his sisters and brothers in law, Bonnie and Lawrence Kirkum of Wayland, Donna and Mike Parks of Wayland, Gary and Barb Ellis of Wayland, Donald and Ellen Ellis of Wayland, Cameron Ellis of Wayland and Stacy Ellis (Joe Marmo) of Irondequoit; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim’s family and friends may call Saturday July 22, 2023 from 1-4 pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. Jim’s funeral service will be Sunday July 23rd, 2023 at 1pm at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of James W. Van Der Meid may be made to the Livonia Fire Department, 4213 S Livonia Rd, Livonia, NY 14487 or to the American Heart Association, , PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.