The James L. and Prudence Dandurand Fund was established to support the Lake County Community Fund at Legacy Foundation, providing grants for nonprofit services in Lake County.
James Louis Dandurand Bonita Springs, FL
On Saturday, July 4, 2015, James L. Dandurand, a dear husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died at Joanne's House after a brave and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born on August 26, 1934 to Mary and Louis Dandurand in Chicago Heights, IL. On September 27, 1958 he married Prudence G. Potter of Spokane, WA. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.
Survivors include his loving wife, Prudence; two daughters, Lisa (Richard) Setian of Williamsburg, VA and Jill (Dave) Pelham of Cary, NC; two sons, Jeffrey (Curran) Westlake, TX and John (Anita) of Surprise, AZ; nine loving grandchildren, Andrew and Cameron Setian, Kevin and John David Pelham, Dillon and Taryn Dandurand, Kristina, Justin, and Cody Dandurand.
After graduating from Bloon High School, Jim attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in business. He was also a graduate of the Wisconsin School of Banking and Harvard School of Banking. James was a veteran of the United States Army.
Jim began a long banking career in Gary, IN as a trainee in management for Gary Trust and Savings Bank in 1959. He remained working for the bank his entire professional career later advancing to President and CEO in 1969. The last eight years of his career the bank was acquired by Bank One of Columbus Ohio and eventually JP Morgan Chase.
Among his many honors, of which he was always very humble, he was named 'Sagamore of the Wabash' by the governor of Indiana. Citizen of the Year (Gary, IN), Steel City Hall of Fame, Shamrock Award, Sons of Erin Society, Citizen of the Year Boy Scouts of America. He served as President of the American Heart Association in Lake County, IN, President of Catholic Charities, founding member of the Legacy Foundation in Lake County, Advisory Board of Indiana U. NW, Advisory Board of Purdue University Calumet, Legacy Foundation of Calumet area. Always a willing and dedicated volunteer, he volunteered at the Café of Life in Bonita Springs, FL and the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Shop and 'Making Room for more' at St. Leo's Church.
He was a past member of the Chicago Charter of YPO, Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville, IN, Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, IN and currently a member of Bonita Bay Country Club in Bonita Springs, FL. Jim loved his family, friends, the warm sunshine of South Florida, and especially his ice cream.
The family would especially like to thank the loving and caring employees of the Renaissance at the Terraces and the care he received his last few days at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice.
Memorial contributions can be made to the James L. and Prudence Dandurand Fund at Legacy Foundation, 370 E. 84th Drive, Suite 100, Merrillville, IN 46410.
