Page 5 - Vander Plaat Franklin Lakes Funeral Home

Our Experienced Staff
Each of the staff members is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal end-of-life care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.
When a loved one dies, all you need to do is contact us today. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.
Meet Our Staff
Jim Vander Plaat
Funeral Director, NJ LIC #3166
James Vander Plaat
was born in 1951 to
William and Wilma
Vander Plaat. He is Fourth Generation of Vander Plaat Funeral Professionals and has been in funeral service for the past 35 years.
A graduate of Eastern Christian High School, Kings College of New York and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Jim has been a part of the Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home since 1974.
Jim lived in North Haledon for over 20 years where he raised his family before moving to Hawthorne with his wife Virginia “Ginny”. He has two sons David and Nicholas, and four daughters; Kristin, Debra, Andrea and Marina.
Over the years he has been active in both his community and church. He has formerly been a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Haledon where he served as deacon and elder. He was a former member of the Haledon Emergency Ambulance Corp. and coached the Eastern Christen Junior High Basket Ball and North Haledon girls’ softball.
He currently is a member of Rockpoint Community Church where he serves as Finance Ministry Team leader, elder and President of the church. Jim is also currently the treasurer of the Franklin Lakes Lions Club and serves on the Board of the Holland Christian Home
Throughout the years, Jim has been extremely generous and supported numerous local charities and organizations and is always ready to lend a hand. In 2010 he with his son Nick started hosting a “First Responders Beefsteak” for the local Police, Fire and Ambulance Squads. He felt that it was his way of saying an extra “Thank You” to all those who put their lives on the line for others.
Nicholas Vander Plaat
Manager, NJ LIC #4711
Nicholas Vander Plaat
was born in 1982
in Ridgewood New
Jersey and is Jim’s son.
He is Fifth Generation of Vander Plaat Funeral Professionals and has been in funeral service since 2006.
Nick and his wife Kristen live in North Haledon with their daughter Samantha. They are both graduates of Eastern Christian High School. Nick received his Associate’s Degree in Business
Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home - Page 5