James Edward Vance

James (Jim) Edward Vance, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on January 6, 1939, in Logan County, West Virginia, to Dewey Vance and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Adkins) Vance. He graduated from Man High School in Man, West Virgina. On February 9, 1961, he was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Clara Sue Workman. Together they spent their lives raising four beautiful daughters and spoiling their grandkids, until her passing in 2004.

He was a long-time resident of Poplar Bluff. Jim enjoyed mowing his lawn, listening to country and blue grass music, fishing, hunting, and working on his car. He was stationed in Germany while serving in the United States Army from 1962-1964. He was considered an expert marksman in his field. He worked in the automotive industry throughout his career and retired from Cassens Transport in 2006. He was a member of the Teamsters, and the UAW. Because of his passion for driving, he continued in service transporting new recruits going into the military until the summer of 2025. In his free time, he loved spending time with his friend, Gerald Drane, who you could find eating out every Friday evening and attending Three Rivers Basketball games. Jim’s favorite vacation was spending time in the mountains of West Virgina with his family and relatives. He especially loved listening to his daughters sing; and above all; spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by four daughters, Carla (Greg) Dodd, Dee (Rich) Stocks, Melanie (Joe) Bancroft, and Robin (Jim) Thomas; fourteen grandchildren, James (Megan) Mobley, Kyle Hendrix, Jessica (James) Ewing, Daivd Stocks, Elizabeth (Brian) Tinker, Christopher (Kristyn) Stocks, Crystal (David) Burkes, Shay (Eduardo) Godinez, Jordan (Colton) Winder, Emilie (Sean) Howe, Amber (Kyle) Murray, Allie (Ryan) Haas, Alexis (Paul) Pilgrim, and Zack (Alexis Most) Thomas; twenty-two great grandchildren, Cillian Mobley, Marin Mobley, Emma Stocks, Knox Tinker, Tatum Tinker, Josey Stocks, Jax King, Bree Burkes, Kai Burkes, Raelynn Burkes, Julian Godinez, Senora Winder, Layla Winder, Shania Winder, Eliza Winder, Kandenn Howe, Sienna Howe, Teagan Murray, Ava Murray, Isla Haas, Brooks Pilgrim, and Evelyn Pilgrim.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by siblings Freda, Jack, Frank, Bobby Lee, Reba and Daniel, in-laws Charles and Ruby Bagby, brother and sister-in-law, Dow and Juanita Simpson. A host of family and friends survive.

The family would like to thank St Lukes Medical Center (Dr. Mankowitz, Dr. Ettinger and clinical coordinator Kelly McRaven), John J. Pershing (Megan, RN, with Dr. Haqs office), Amedisys, and Jack and Tammy Bostic.

It is with the utmost respect that the family expresses how sincerely thankful and grateful they are to the beautiful soul of Sandra Mulherin who cared for Jim throughout the years and during the crucial health events leading up to his death. Her love and devotion to Jim and the family were never unnoticed and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home at 366 College Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Chapel with Pastor Byron Beck officiating. Interment will follow funeral service at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.

Condolences may be made online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Facebook page.