Friends and co-workers remember Jim Van Fleet for his love of the community, as well as his service to Sun City.
“He used his business background to help in the decisions he made for the good of the community,” said Linda Davis, vice president of the Sun City Community Association of Huntley board of directors.
Van Fleet, who served as secretary for the board of directors, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 12.
Since moving to Sun City with his wife, Joan, in 2003, Van Fleet became an active and respected participant of the community, serving as a volunteer in different capacities.
His resume included terms as secretary and vice president of the Anglers Club, co-coordinating the Grandma and Grandpa and Me Breakfast with Santa program with his wife, and serving as vice president and president of the Sportsman Club.
Van Fleet also served on several committees, including the Resident Lifestyles Committee, the Charter Club Presidents Council and the Neighborhood Advisory Council, among other committees.
Davis, who had served on the board with Van Fleet for three years, described him as a positive advocate for the residents.
“He listened to their concerns and brought these concerns to our board discussions,” she said. “He loved this community and was adamant about the upkeep of all our facilities.”
Board President Bonnie Bayser, who had worked with Van Fleet on committees both within and outside Sun City, said “he was a good leader for many of the committee on which he served.”
“He brought resident issues to the board for discussion and worked to resolve the issues in the best interest of the whole community,” Bayser said.
She added that Van Fleet’s background in “safety” was always a priority with him.
Though Van Fleet’s death leaves a vacancy on the board, the Sun City Huntley Community Association’s bylaws states in the event of a death, disability or resignation, the board may declare a vacancy and appoint someone to fill said vacancy until the next annual meeting, at which point the voting members can choose a successor for the remainder of the term.
Davis said those details will be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. While they have not discussed a timeframe, she said they will discuss how they are planning to do it and how it will work.
