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James Vann Obituary
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Lee, parents, sister, Jane (Sis), and son, Michael.
Jim attended Davidson College where he starred in track and field, throwing the discus. Later in life Jim continued tossing the discus in the Senior Games. After Davidson, Jim spent close to 30 years carving out an exemplary career with ALCOA. His time in sales with ALCOA was interrupted by an induction into the Army, where he taught bridge construction to cadets at West Point.
While managing an ALCOA plant in Vancouver Washington, Jim was introduced, by a family friend, to Lee Stanton. They were married in Oregon. Jim and Lee later moved to Perth, Australia where he headed ALCOA's Mining and Operations, then to Fort Wayne, Indiana as President of an ALCOA subsidiary, Rea Magnet Wire Company.
In 1986, Jim along with 3 partners/friends purchased Rea Magnet Wire Company from ALCOA.
Jim and Lee also resided in Charlotte, NC and Highlands Ranch, CO.
Jim is survived by daughters Stephanie (Doug) Moen Castle Pines, CO, Sherry (Mike) Connolly Fort Wayne IN, Debbie Gilreath Wake Forest, NC, and son Jim (Dana) Vann Lafayette, IN. Also survived by 8 grandchildren Amanda, Whitney, Brody, Shane, Brian, Andrew, Jaimie, and Jimmy. And 13 great-grandchildren.
Jim lived a long productive and charitable life, touching, brightening, and enriching countless lives and organizations along his way. His memory and accomplishments survive, and he will be forever missed. Private burial to be held at a later date. The family requests memorial gifts, in the memory of James Vann and his life-long charitable works, be designated to research at Mayo Clinic.
Memorials can be made online at www.mayoclinic.org/development<https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic> or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Vann
5 Entries
Beverly Wassouf
September 5, 2024
So very sorry Stephanie and family. My husband, Christo, who passed last November 19, 2023, so liked and admired your father. They had some good laughs together at Aldersgate and enjoyed similar careers.
Jim and Cathy Fisher
September 2, 2024
Our sincere condolences. Cathy and I hold in highest regard to the Vann family. Jim was an individual that stood above with integrity and compassion. His love for family , community and country was exemplary. We were always enlightened in Jim and Lee´s presence. We offer warm embrace to you all.
Susan Boyd
August 31, 2024
Thank you Jim for giving me the privilege to serve Rea Magnet Wire employees in the HR leadership role. You were an inspirational owner and leader. In memory, Susan Boyd
Judith and David Melton
August 31, 2024
Sorry to hear of Jim´s death. I became aquatinted with Jim & Lee while we were members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church during their time in Fort Wayne, IN. Both Jim & Lee were active participants in church activities and significant contributors to operations of the church. I remember Jim as honorable and ethical. He will be missed. RIP Jim.
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