James Vance

1934 - 2018

James Vance

Murfreesboro - James Edward Vance, age 84, of Murfreesboro, passed away on Sunday, September 23 at Boulevard Terrace Nursing Home. James was a life-long resident of Rutherford County. He was the son of Rufus Becton Beecher Vance and Ollie Mollie Edna Lee Jones Vance. He grew up on farms in Smyrna and Murfreesboro and attended Seminary School, Rock School in Smyrna, and McFadden School. He also attended Smyrna High School.

He was a loving husband to his wife of 62 years, Emma Sue Corbitt Vance. She preceded him in death in 2017. He is survived by three daughters, Emily Vance Tate, Delores Vance Lannom and Vivian Vance Harris. He is survived by son-in-laws, Lamar Tate of Readyville, Steve Lannom and Bruce Harris of Murfreesboro. He is survived by grandchildren, Corrie Jean Sanders (Steve) of Smyrna, Joshua Tate (Rebekah) of Woodbury, Suzanne Agee (Joshua) of Murfreesboro, Rachel Taylor (Aubrey) of Auburntown, Molly Tate of Murfreesboro and Spring and Steven Harris of Murfreesboro. He is survived by great-grandchildren Daisy, Corbitt and Lorali Taylor of Auburntown, Maggie and Levi Tate of Woodbury and AnnLeigh Jean Sanders of Smyrna. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Beecher Vance Jr. and Robert Vance; sisters, Mamie Jenson, Mable Victory, Joe Ann Bowman and Odell Fann. He has no surviving brothers and sisters.

He was employed by Lynch Construction where he helped construct places like Jackson Heights in Murfreesboro and Community Care. He worked for Park Sherman Industries, BetterBuilt Aluminum, and Riverdale High School. He also was an umpire for many years at Samsonite Ball Park and Hall's Hill Ball Park.

His interests included his grandchildren, hunting, fishing and raising beagle dogs, chickens, pigs and horses. He loved gardening, camping, baseball and softball coaching and umpiring. He coached many teams through the years including Park Sherman men's softball, BetterBuilt Aluminum men and women's softball teams, and Singer women's softball.

He was a resident of McFarlin subdivision in Murfreesboro for 49 years and in recent years lived at Sunnington Assisted Living and Boulevard Terrace.

Visitation with the family will be 4:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation.

Chapel service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation with Ben Stickle and Mike Ingle officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers include grandsons, Joshua Tate, Joshua Agee, Steven Harris, Aubrey Taylor, Steve Sanders, and son-in-laws Bruce Harris, Lamar Tate, and Steve Lannom.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com.