Jim Vance

James M. "Jim" Vance

BELLVILLE: Thoughtfulness speaks to the personality, selflessness speaks to the character. Jim Vance's every thought, his every motivation, his every action, demonstrated his care and compassion for others. His kindness prompted him to "do everything or anything for anybody - even if he knew them or not."

Characterized by thoughtfulness, Jim passed away Thursday, August 1, 2013 in his Bellville home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 58.

Born James Michael Vance April 1, 1955 in Mansfield, his "April Fool's birthday" paralleled his good nature and sense of humor. Jim was a quick-witted teaser, who loved to wait for your reaction from his jokes, tickling and general "picking-on." Described as a spiritual man, Jim never forgot the early teachings of his parents James B. and Jeanetta (Rose) Vance, to put his faith in action, and love not just in word, but in actions and in truth. (I John 3:18)

He was graduated from Clear Fork High School, and never lost the love of his alma mater. He loved the school, he loved the athletic program, and served over 30 years on the football chain gang - never missing a home football game.

For 25 years Jim worked as a welder (he loved to weld, welding since age 17) and an assembler for Rolls Royce in Mount Vernon.

A lifelong area resident, Jim was a member of I.U.E. union and loved to travel. He was a member of Clear Fork Alliance Church.

A "knight on white horse" to his family, Jim loved his wife, loved his children and loved his grandchildren. He leaves his family a legacy of strength and patience, a beautiful role model of a family man. His family includes his wife Penny (Fry) Vance, whom he married December 18, 1976; daughter Cassie Lyons of Bellville and son J.R. (Jennifer) Vance of Lexington; three grandchildren Steffen, Lexie, and Michael Lyons; his mother Jeanetta Vance of Bellville; siblings Julie (Mike) Flaherty, Janie (Turk) Britton, Joe (Deb) Vance, and Jenny Conover (fiancé Brett Spayde) all of Bellville; his mother-in-law Pat Fry of Bellville; brother-in-law Amos (Beth) Fry of Bellville; cherished friend Glenn Guill of Bellville; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and extended family.

Jim was preceded in death by his father James B. Vance.

The Vance family will receive friends Sunday August 4, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Michael V. Stine will officiate and burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to Med Central Hospice or James Cancer Clinic may be made through the funeral home.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve the Vance family, and online condolences to them may be made by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com