James Edward Vance's Obituary
James Edward Vance, age 92, died peacefully at home on January 19, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Jim survived his beloved wife of 68 years Mildred Mae Vance, deceased in 2011. He is survived by two daughters, Sheila Vance McKell and Deborah Vance Parkinson, six grandchildren: Erinn Elizabeth McKell, Ashley Vance McDonnell, David McCandless McKell IV, Matthew Christopher McKell, Lisa Janine Drackert and Wendy Leigh Bacher, as well as eight great grandchildren: Tristan, Teaghan, Kaitlyn, Madison, Emma, Lachlan, Paige and Garrett. Born on an Oklahoma farm to James Elmer Vance and Donna Laura Kelly, Jim ventured west to California after High School, where he met Mildred Mae Glover. They married in 1943, just before he was drafted by the Army. Jim fought in World War II, where he served with distinction in the U.S. Army under General Patton in the European Theater of Operations. He was extremely active in the Freemasonry Brotherhood for many years with Alameda Lodge 167, achieving the 32nd degree, full membership of the Scottish Rite and service distinctions within the AAHMES Schriners. He also served as both a past Master and Inspector. Jim spent his career working in the automotive parts and service industry and eventually retired from Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Jim enjoyed spending time with family, boating and waterskiing and was an avid golfer for over 20 years. He was well known in his neighborhood for his amazing annual crops of tomatoes and lemons. A celebration of life will be held at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward on Sunday, January 29th, 2017 at 1pm. A small reception will be held at the Vance residence following the service.
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