06/27/2023
Dear friends and supporters,
We began a new chapter at Unlimited Play when Jim Vollmer joined our team in 2016, after years of volunteering with us. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, inclusion advocate and — above all else — a fierce friend, Jim infused our team with an energy and passion over the course of 15 years that truly took our organization to new heights. Without him, Unlimited Play simply would not be the same organization we are today.
And so begins another new chapter for Unlimited Play: We are saddened to share the news that Jim passed away on Friday, June 23, after a long battle with cancer. Jim passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones. He is reunited in Heaven with his son, Jake Vollmer, who passed away from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2012.
We began working closely with Jim in 2014, when he set out to build a playground in honor of Jake. The rest, as they say, is history. Jake’s Field of Dreams opened in Jim’s hometown of Wentzville in 2018, and served as a place where Jim could feel his son’s legacy live on through the laughter of children playing together. Of the dozens of playground projects Jim was proud to be a part of during his lifetime — both in the St. Louis area and beyond — for him, Jake’s was the most special of all. The unconditional love Jim had for his four children fueled everything he did, and we are forever grateful Jake’s Field of Dreams brought us together.
Jim’s passing on June 23 marked the 5th anniversary of the dedication for Jake’s Field of Dreams, and we take comfort in knowing they were reunited on this important day: a day that will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.
Jim believed in the magic of inclusive playgrounds, and worked tirelessly until the very end to raise funds and help bring new projects to fruition. We know the best way to honor him is to keep going — to keep building — so all children can experience the freedom of play. And so, the mission continues.
If you have any special memories or stories about Jim, or wish to share words of comfort with his family, we encourage you to do so in the comments below.
