Sandusky Register
Monday, August 20, 2012
Willingboro N.J.
James M. Vance, 79, formerly of Sandusky, died June 18, 2012, with his family by his side, in Willingboro, N.J.
He was born Dec. 27, 1932, son of the late Fred and Gertrude Vance. He graduated from Sandusky High School, Class of 1952.
After graduating he joined the U.S. Air Force and had an outstanding career while serving his country. He served in the Korean War and led a unit that received the Outstanding Unit Award. He also earned the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal before retiring after 25 years of service. He achieved the rank of technical sergeant. After the military James worked as a senior corrections officer from 1986-98.
He met and married the love of his life, Ann L. Vance. They loved to travel and went on 14 cruises, coming home for Vance family gatherings and to the fish fry, which he enjoyed. James loved life and his family.
He was proud to be a Mason. He was a member of the Ancient Scottish Right of Free Masonry. He was in the John W. Davis Class of 1981 United Supreme Council 33. He was a member of Friendship AME Church.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Ann L. Vance; his son, Michael Zachary Vance; parents, Fred and Gertrude Vance; his siblings, Elizabeth Gant, Edith Ellington, Fred Vance and Estella Vance Green.
He leaves to rejoice his homecoming his children, Chineta Stewart and Mark Zachary; siblings, William (Dannie) Vance, of Florida, Lafayette Vance, Joan (Clifton) Myers, Ernestine Myers and David (Debbie) Vance, all of Sandusky; grandchildren, Mason, Alicia, Lauren, Mark and Chelsea; great-grandson, Mason Jr.; special nieces, Teresa Buxton, of New Jersey, and Jacqueline Jones, of New York; special friend, Walter Thurman of New Jersey; special brother-in-law, Joe Nelson of Wisconsin; any many nieces and nephews who were special to him.
Interment, with full military honors, was in New Jersey
Contributed by Jackson Edward Wilson