James D Sanders' Obituary
Jim was born on June 4, 1932 in Elkhart, IN. Jim loved music and sang top tenor in high school. A member of a quartet “The Cavaliers”, they won first place in a statewide Indiana competition. The Cavaliers sang professionally at events, churches, political conventions and on the Horace Height TV show. His barbershop quartet “The Diamondaires” performed on a TV Charity marathon. At 18, Jim started work in the screw machining trade, where he worked for 12 years. His ultimate career goal was met when he started manufacturing band instruments, flutes and piccolo’s to be exact. In his 26 years at Gemeinhardt Musical Instruments, Jim managed nearly every department in the company, including Purchasing and Supply before becoming Plant Manager. He coached Little League for 18 years, never placing less than second and organized and trained over 100 umpires. He and Barb moved to The Villages in 1994 and quickly immersed themselves in Christian life, on the church board, in the choir, starting the Hospitality Committee, but he was most proud of his Gospel quartet “4 Given” that performed in area churches and chapels.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara Eykholt Sanders of The Villages, sons James Sanders, Jr. (Christine) of Florida and Thomas Sanders (Chris) and daughter Penny (Gary) Nordman both of Indiana. He also leaves 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Jim also leaves a brother, Wayne Mann of Arizona.
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