James Lester "Jim" Vance

Vance, James "Jim" Lester
57, of Scottsdale passed away on 5-4-12. Jim, who was a native Arizonan, attended Northern Arizona University. He began his career in real estate by starting J.L. Vance & Associates. He then sold the company in 1983 to focus on real estate development. Mr. Vance became Vice president of Ben Brooks & Associates, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bradley Development, President and Chief Operating Officer for Koll and Managing Director of CB Richard Ellis. In 2000, Mr. Vance formed his own development company, The Vance Group, and then later partnered with Mr. David Hamilton to form "Hamilton Vance Partners". Jim was an avid horse enthusiast and spent most of his life riding and training quarter horses. He deeply loved riding horses with his wife Susan in the Flagstaff forest. Jim was a committed family man and husband; he was devoted to his only daughter Michele yet also found room in his heart to be a loving father toward the four children of his wife. The memories of his captivating smile, warm and engaging personality, and calm and courageous spirit will always be remembered and cherished by his family and numerous close friends. Jim was a hardworking, dedicated, loyal man who was always there for anyone in need. He will be profoundly missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known him. Preceded in death by his father, James Lester Vance, Jr. Survived by his mother, Marjeane (June) Vance, sister, Annette Leckrone and her husband Bob, daughter Michele Vinson, stepchildren, Elizabeth Vance, Adam Pitts, Michael Vance, and Nicholas Vance. A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at the Scottsdale Bible Chapel on Tuesday, May 8th at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Memorial Fund. The fund is dedicated to providing financial support to families of injured or fallen Arizona law enforcement officers. An organization dear to Jim who spent many volunteer hours supporting their cause. MCSO Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 80556, Phx, AZ 85062. www.mcsomemorialfund.com