JAMES E. VANDERGRIFT – Obituary
James E. Vandergrift, 76, of Mickleton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, while under the care of Atlas Post Acute in Woodbury, New Jersey.
Born in Vineland, New Jersey, James was the son of the late Thomas and Edith (née Harper) Vandergrift. He was a graduate of Delsea High School, Class of 1968, and proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1974 aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following his honorable discharge, James was employed as a truck driver and held various positions with Teamsters Local Union.
James enjoyed hunting and fishing and treasured time spent with his family, especially summers in Avalon with his grandchildren. He was a devoted and supportive presence at their sporting events.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda F. (née Dehner); his son, Kevin Vandergrift, and his wife, Jessica, of West Deptford, New Jersey; his daughter, Michelle Souders, and her husband, Andrew, of Williamstown, New Jersey; and his grandchildren, Mason and Landon Vandergrift, and Jackson and Kayden Souders. Also survived by his siblings, Thomas (Evelyn) Vandergrift, Carl Vandergrift, and Marie Cheruka.
In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his sister, LaVerne E. Wilson, and a brother-in-law, Ron Cheruka.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend an evening visitation on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm., and again on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00am, at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am at the funeral home. Military Honors and interment will follow at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by mail to 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or online by clicking here.