From Schaetter Funeral Home:
It is with a heavy heart we share the news that James Claude Vann passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at River Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Kerrville, Texas surrounded by his loving family. James was born February 25th, 1944, in El Paso to parents James William Vann and Hazel Redella Martin.
James grew up in El Paso in his mom's diner and his dad's garage; thus, making him an excellent cook and even better mechanic. Despite his hardships, he prospered in life and grew into a wonderful Christian man. James was raised in the Baptist church. If you ask anyone, James, and his father, J.W., were two of the best diesel mechanics to have ever lived. James graduated from high school in 1965. Soon after high school graduation, and because his younger brother was enlisting in the Marines to go to Vietnam, James enlisted also. He wanted to protect his baby brother. He was in the Army Airborne. Although he contracted malaria while in Vietnam, he was able to earn many awards and decorations. James served the Army with distinction. James' awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and 3 Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1968; and he didn't see his baby brother until he was getting ready to leave Vietnam.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Carol Combest. To this union, his son Matthew Aaron was born on October 10th, 1970. James worked for RoMac Business Forms. He met Halley while working at RoMac Business Forms. While working at Trainer Equipment, on August 4th, 1972, he married Halley along with her three sons, Mark, Tim & Joe, which he quickly adopted as his own. On September 22nd, 1973, their family was complete with the birth of son James Christopher.
James worked on ships in the Houston Ship Channel and in South America for Holt Cat but this was too far a distance from his beloved West Texas. In 1974, the family relocated to Fort Stockton where Halley and he raised their boys. James enjoyed every moment of working as a diesel mechanic on the vast West Texas ranched and was a fond friend of all the ranchers.
In the early 1980s, James bought an airplane after being trained by the legendary Bill Hargus. His thoughts were that he would just fly the parts to his locations and work on the machinery. This would save him hours upon hours of travel time because he would be flying rather than driving. Well, James loved his 'stuff' and if he had one of one thing, he had a hundred of that thing. Flying with his 'stuff' caused his little plane to bottom out on more than one occasion and his flying over the vastness of West Texas was short lived. But his love of flying was passed on to his sons and grandchildren.
Kicking and screaming, James moved to Fredericksburg in 1999. He became familiar with all the farmers and ranchers of the area. He quickly became their preferred diesel mechanic for over twenty years. He would, still, occasionally sneak off to West Texas to see his cherished friends and repair their machinery.
James will be remembered for his love of life and his love of people. James was a loving husband, father, and brother. For those who had the honor of knowing him, an irreplaceable friend. Anyone would tell you that James had a heart the size of Texas or as big as he was. He was a tall man that stood 6' 9" in his prime. He loved life and loved BIG!!! He would happily give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he possibly could! He was always tinkering and could fix it ALL. His daughter-in-law was forever hauling stuff to him to be fixed. Luckily, his youngest grandson is just like him being as smart as a whip and able to fix anything. He loved cooking! He always had a plate full of cookies in his kitchen: usually biscochos. A staple of Christmas was James' homemade fruit tamales. His mom had a diner and he learned to cook from her. His tacos and tamales were out of this world and family favorites.
From your sons:
Dad,
You taught us everything we know. You showed us how to be good people, brothers, husbands, fathers & friends. You taught us how to laugh through all things in life and "it's not worth being upset all the time" (your words) ...
To anyone that has ever received one, you gave the best hugs. As a matter of fact, you taught this entire family how to hug starting with Aunt Edna the first time you met Mom's family. One by one you gave them hugs that only you could and then they began hugging everyone else. Because you were that person…
There are many words to describe you Dad, but the ones that come to mind now are; Love, Family, Strength, Commitment, Generosity, Friendship, Loyalty, Forgiveness and Honor...
'Love you anyway' is what you would say… That told us that you loved us no matter what and without exception.
You were once told by a family member going through a life-crippling event when they saw you that they finally had someone that could hold them… Now God can be that for you Dad...
It was our Honor…
We love you...
We will see you again...
Thank God for you Dad…
You are our Hero…
James is survived by his wife of 51 years, Halley. He was the beloved daddy of sons Mark of Kerrville, Tim and wife Melba of Kerrville, Joe and wife Tammy of Memphis TN, Chris and wife Wendi of Coleman; sisters Maurene Vann of San Antonio and Belinda Alexander of Snyder; brothers Eddie and wife Janie of Colorado City and Randy and wife Polly of Littlefield; sister-in-law Viola Daniel of Goldthwaite; brother-in-law John Cox of Fredericksburg. He was Papa James to granddaughter Baryn Vann of Coleman; Grandsons include Aaron Vann of Midland, Cody Vann of California, Tanner Vann of Denton, Dalton Vann of Kerrville, Josh Vann of California, Tristan Lyons and wife Kendal of Memphis, Jett and Lear Vann of Coleman; beloved uncle and aunt Joe and Charlene Martin of El Paso and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Frankie Vann; cherished son Matthew Vann; beloved brothers Jimmy Wayne, Martin, and Jerry.
James' viewing will held at the Schaetter Funeral Home at 301 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 on Monday, October 16th from 4-6 pm. Graveside services will be held at the Duren Cemetery at 22 County Road 128, Mullin, Tx 76864 on Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to Duren Cemetery, C/O of Lynetta Duren Barnett, 142 CR 190, Mullin, Texas 76864 or charity of your choice.
It is with a heavy heart we share the news that James Claude Vann passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at River Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Kerrville, Texas surrounded by his loving family. James was born February 25th, 1944, in El Paso to parents James William Vann and Hazel Redella Martin.
James grew up in El Paso in his mom's diner and his dad's garage; thus, making him an excellent cook and even better mechanic. Despite his hardships, he prospered in life and grew into a wonderful Christian man. James was raised in the Baptist church. If you ask anyone, James, and his father, J.W., were two of the best diesel mechanics to have ever lived. James graduated from high school in 1965. Soon after high school graduation, and because his younger brother was enlisting in the Marines to go to Vietnam, James enlisted also. He wanted to protect his baby brother. He was in the Army Airborne. Although he contracted malaria while in Vietnam, he was able to earn many awards and decorations. James served the Army with distinction. James' awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and 3 Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1968; and he didn't see his baby brother until he was getting ready to leave Vietnam.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Carol Combest. To this union, his son Matthew Aaron was born on October 10th, 1970. James worked for RoMac Business Forms. He met Halley while working at RoMac Business Forms. While working at Trainer Equipment, on August 4th, 1972, he married Halley along with her three sons, Mark, Tim & Joe, which he quickly adopted as his own. On September 22nd, 1973, their family was complete with the birth of son James Christopher.
James worked on ships in the Houston Ship Channel and in South America for Holt Cat but this was too far a distance from his beloved West Texas. In 1974, the family relocated to Fort Stockton where Halley and he raised their boys. James enjoyed every moment of working as a diesel mechanic on the vast West Texas ranched and was a fond friend of all the ranchers.
In the early 1980s, James bought an airplane after being trained by the legendary Bill Hargus. His thoughts were that he would just fly the parts to his locations and work on the machinery. This would save him hours upon hours of travel time because he would be flying rather than driving. Well, James loved his 'stuff' and if he had one of one thing, he had a hundred of that thing. Flying with his 'stuff' caused his little plane to bottom out on more than one occasion and his flying over the vastness of West Texas was short lived. But his love of flying was passed on to his sons and grandchildren.
Kicking and screaming, James moved to Fredericksburg in 1999. He became familiar with all the farmers and ranchers of the area. He quickly became their preferred diesel mechanic for over twenty years. He would, still, occasionally sneak off to West Texas to see his cherished friends and repair their machinery.
James will be remembered for his love of life and his love of people. James was a loving husband, father, and brother. For those who had the honor of knowing him, an irreplaceable friend. Anyone would tell you that James had a heart the size of Texas or as big as he was. He was a tall man that stood 6' 9" in his prime. He loved life and loved BIG!!! He would happily give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he possibly could! He was always tinkering and could fix it ALL. His daughter-in-law was forever hauling stuff to him to be fixed. Luckily, his youngest grandson is just like him being as smart as a whip and able to fix anything. He loved cooking! He always had a plate full of cookies in his kitchen: usually biscochos. A staple of Christmas was James' homemade fruit tamales. His mom had a diner and he learned to cook from her. His tacos and tamales were out of this world and family favorites.
From your sons:
Dad,
You taught us everything we know. You showed us how to be good people, brothers, husbands, fathers & friends. You taught us how to laugh through all things in life and "it's not worth being upset all the time" (your words) ...
To anyone that has ever received one, you gave the best hugs. As a matter of fact, you taught this entire family how to hug starting with Aunt Edna the first time you met Mom's family. One by one you gave them hugs that only you could and then they began hugging everyone else. Because you were that person…
There are many words to describe you Dad, but the ones that come to mind now are; Love, Family, Strength, Commitment, Generosity, Friendship, Loyalty, Forgiveness and Honor...
'Love you anyway' is what you would say… That told us that you loved us no matter what and without exception.
You were once told by a family member going through a life-crippling event when they saw you that they finally had someone that could hold them… Now God can be that for you Dad...
It was our Honor…
We love you...
We will see you again...
Thank God for you Dad…
You are our Hero…
James is survived by his wife of 51 years, Halley. He was the beloved daddy of sons Mark of Kerrville, Tim and wife Melba of Kerrville, Joe and wife Tammy of Memphis TN, Chris and wife Wendi of Coleman; sisters Maurene Vann of San Antonio and Belinda Alexander of Snyder; brothers Eddie and wife Janie of Colorado City and Randy and wife Polly of Littlefield; sister-in-law Viola Daniel of Goldthwaite; brother-in-law John Cox of Fredericksburg. He was Papa James to granddaughter Baryn Vann of Coleman; Grandsons include Aaron Vann of Midland, Cody Vann of California, Tanner Vann of Denton, Dalton Vann of Kerrville, Josh Vann of California, Tristan Lyons and wife Kendal of Memphis, Jett and Lear Vann of Coleman; beloved uncle and aunt Joe and Charlene Martin of El Paso and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Frankie Vann; cherished son Matthew Vann; beloved brothers Jimmy Wayne, Martin, and Jerry.
James' viewing will held at the Schaetter Funeral Home at 301 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 on Monday, October 16th from 4-6 pm. Graveside services will be held at the Duren Cemetery at 22 County Road 128, Mullin, Tx 76864 on Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to Duren Cemetery, C/O of Lynetta Duren Barnett, 142 CR 190, Mullin, Texas 76864 or charity of your choice.
From Schaetter Funeral Home:
It is with a heavy heart we share the news that James Claude Vann passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at River Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Kerrville, Texas surrounded by his loving family. James was born February 25th, 1944, in El Paso to parents James William Vann and Hazel Redella Martin.
James grew up in El Paso in his mom's diner and his dad's garage; thus, making him an excellent cook and even better mechanic. Despite his hardships, he prospered in life and grew into a wonderful Christian man. James was raised in the Baptist church. If you ask anyone, James, and his father, J.W., were two of the best diesel mechanics to have ever lived. James graduated from high school in 1965. Soon after high school graduation, and because his younger brother was enlisting in the Marines to go to Vietnam, James enlisted also. He wanted to protect his baby brother. He was in the Army Airborne. Although he contracted malaria while in Vietnam, he was able to earn many awards and decorations. James served the Army with distinction. James' awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and 3 Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1968; and he didn't see his baby brother until he was getting ready to leave Vietnam.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Carol Combest. To this union, his son Matthew Aaron was born on October 10th, 1970. James worked for RoMac Business Forms. He met Halley while working at RoMac Business Forms. While working at Trainer Equipment, on August 4th, 1972, he married Halley along with her three sons, Mark, Tim & Joe, which he quickly adopted as his own. On September 22nd, 1973, their family was complete with the birth of son James Christopher.
James worked on ships in the Houston Ship Channel and in South America for Holt Cat but this was too far a distance from his beloved West Texas. In 1974, the family relocated to Fort Stockton where Halley and he raised their boys. James enjoyed every moment of working as a diesel mechanic on the vast West Texas ranched and was a fond friend of all the ranchers.
In the early 1980s, James bought an airplane after being trained by the legendary Bill Hargus. His thoughts were that he would just fly the parts to his locations and work on the machinery. This would save him hours upon hours of travel time because he would be flying rather than driving. Well, James loved his 'stuff' and if he had one of one thing, he had a hundred of that thing. Flying with his 'stuff' caused his little plane to bottom out on more than one occasion and his flying over the vastness of West Texas was short lived. But his love of flying was passed on to his sons and grandchildren.
Kicking and screaming, James moved to Fredericksburg in 1999. He became familiar with all the farmers and ranchers of the area. He quickly became their preferred diesel mechanic for over twenty years. He would, still, occasionally sneak off to West Texas to see his cherished friends and repair their machinery.
James will be remembered for his love of life and his love of people. James was a loving husband, father, and brother. For those who had the honor of knowing him, an irreplaceable friend. Anyone would tell you that James had a heart the size of Texas or as big as he was. He was a tall man that stood 6' 9" in his prime. He loved life and loved BIG!!! He would happily give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he possibly could! He was always tinkering and could fix it ALL. His daughter-in-law was forever hauling stuff to him to be fixed. Luckily, his youngest grandson is just like him being as smart as a whip and able to fix anything. He loved cooking! He always had a plate full of cookies in his kitchen: usually biscochos. A staple of Christmas was James' homemade fruit tamales. His mom had a diner and he learned to cook from her. His tacos and tamales were out of this world and family favorites.
From your sons:
Dad,
You taught us everything we know. You showed us how to be good people, brothers, husbands, fathers & friends. You taught us how to laugh through all things in life and "it's not worth being upset all the time" (your words) ...
To anyone that has ever received one, you gave the best hugs. As a matter of fact, you taught this entire family how to hug starting with Aunt Edna the first time you met Mom's family. One by one you gave them hugs that only you could and then they began hugging everyone else. Because you were that person…
There are many words to describe you Dad, but the ones that come to mind now are; Love, Family, Strength, Commitment, Generosity, Friendship, Loyalty, Forgiveness and Honor...
'Love you anyway' is what you would say… That told us that you loved us no matter what and without exception.
You were once told by a family member going through a life-crippling event when they saw you that they finally had someone that could hold them… Now God can be that for you Dad...
It was our Honor…
We love you...
We will see you again...
Thank God for you Dad…
You are our Hero…
James is survived by his wife of 51 years, Halley. He was the beloved daddy of sons Mark of Kerrville, Tim and wife Melba of Kerrville, Joe and wife Tammy of Memphis TN, Chris and wife Wendi of Coleman; sisters Maurene Vann of San Antonio and Belinda Alexander of Snyder; brothers Eddie and wife Janie of Colorado City and Randy and wife Polly of Littlefield; sister-in-law Viola Daniel of Goldthwaite; brother-in-law John Cox of Fredericksburg. He was Papa James to granddaughter Baryn Vann of Coleman; Grandsons include Aaron Vann of Midland, Cody Vann of California, Tanner Vann of Denton, Dalton Vann of Kerrville, Josh Vann of California, Tristan Lyons and wife Kendal of Memphis, Jett and Lear Vann of Coleman; beloved uncle and aunt Joe and Charlene Martin of El Paso and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Frankie Vann; cherished son Matthew Vann; beloved brothers Jimmy Wayne, Martin, and Jerry.
James' viewing will held at the Schaetter Funeral Home at 301 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 on Monday, October 16th from 4-6 pm. Graveside services will be held at the Duren Cemetery at 22 County Road 128, Mullin, Tx 76864 on Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to Duren Cemetery, C/O of Lynetta Duren Barnett, 142 CR 190, Mullin, Texas 76864 or charity of your choice.
It is with a heavy heart we share the news that James Claude Vann passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at River Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Kerrville, Texas surrounded by his loving family. James was born February 25th, 1944, in El Paso to parents James William Vann and Hazel Redella Martin.
James grew up in El Paso in his mom's diner and his dad's garage; thus, making him an excellent cook and even better mechanic. Despite his hardships, he prospered in life and grew into a wonderful Christian man. James was raised in the Baptist church. If you ask anyone, James, and his father, J.W., were two of the best diesel mechanics to have ever lived. James graduated from high school in 1965. Soon after high school graduation, and because his younger brother was enlisting in the Marines to go to Vietnam, James enlisted also. He wanted to protect his baby brother. He was in the Army Airborne. Although he contracted malaria while in Vietnam, he was able to earn many awards and decorations. James served the Army with distinction. James' awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and 3 Purple Hearts. He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1968; and he didn't see his baby brother until he was getting ready to leave Vietnam.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Carol Combest. To this union, his son Matthew Aaron was born on October 10th, 1970. James worked for RoMac Business Forms. He met Halley while working at RoMac Business Forms. While working at Trainer Equipment, on August 4th, 1972, he married Halley along with her three sons, Mark, Tim & Joe, which he quickly adopted as his own. On September 22nd, 1973, their family was complete with the birth of son James Christopher.
James worked on ships in the Houston Ship Channel and in South America for Holt Cat but this was too far a distance from his beloved West Texas. In 1974, the family relocated to Fort Stockton where Halley and he raised their boys. James enjoyed every moment of working as a diesel mechanic on the vast West Texas ranched and was a fond friend of all the ranchers.
In the early 1980s, James bought an airplane after being trained by the legendary Bill Hargus. His thoughts were that he would just fly the parts to his locations and work on the machinery. This would save him hours upon hours of travel time because he would be flying rather than driving. Well, James loved his 'stuff' and if he had one of one thing, he had a hundred of that thing. Flying with his 'stuff' caused his little plane to bottom out on more than one occasion and his flying over the vastness of West Texas was short lived. But his love of flying was passed on to his sons and grandchildren.
Kicking and screaming, James moved to Fredericksburg in 1999. He became familiar with all the farmers and ranchers of the area. He quickly became their preferred diesel mechanic for over twenty years. He would, still, occasionally sneak off to West Texas to see his cherished friends and repair their machinery.
James will be remembered for his love of life and his love of people. James was a loving husband, father, and brother. For those who had the honor of knowing him, an irreplaceable friend. Anyone would tell you that James had a heart the size of Texas or as big as he was. He was a tall man that stood 6' 9" in his prime. He loved life and loved BIG!!! He would happily give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he possibly could! He was always tinkering and could fix it ALL. His daughter-in-law was forever hauling stuff to him to be fixed. Luckily, his youngest grandson is just like him being as smart as a whip and able to fix anything. He loved cooking! He always had a plate full of cookies in his kitchen: usually biscochos. A staple of Christmas was James' homemade fruit tamales. His mom had a diner and he learned to cook from her. His tacos and tamales were out of this world and family favorites.
From your sons:
Dad,
You taught us everything we know. You showed us how to be good people, brothers, husbands, fathers & friends. You taught us how to laugh through all things in life and "it's not worth being upset all the time" (your words) ...
To anyone that has ever received one, you gave the best hugs. As a matter of fact, you taught this entire family how to hug starting with Aunt Edna the first time you met Mom's family. One by one you gave them hugs that only you could and then they began hugging everyone else. Because you were that person…
There are many words to describe you Dad, but the ones that come to mind now are; Love, Family, Strength, Commitment, Generosity, Friendship, Loyalty, Forgiveness and Honor...
'Love you anyway' is what you would say… That told us that you loved us no matter what and without exception.
You were once told by a family member going through a life-crippling event when they saw you that they finally had someone that could hold them… Now God can be that for you Dad...
It was our Honor…
We love you...
We will see you again...
Thank God for you Dad…
You are our Hero…
James is survived by his wife of 51 years, Halley. He was the beloved daddy of sons Mark of Kerrville, Tim and wife Melba of Kerrville, Joe and wife Tammy of Memphis TN, Chris and wife Wendi of Coleman; sisters Maurene Vann of San Antonio and Belinda Alexander of Snyder; brothers Eddie and wife Janie of Colorado City and Randy and wife Polly of Littlefield; sister-in-law Viola Daniel of Goldthwaite; brother-in-law John Cox of Fredericksburg. He was Papa James to granddaughter Baryn Vann of Coleman; Grandsons include Aaron Vann of Midland, Cody Vann of California, Tanner Vann of Denton, Dalton Vann of Kerrville, Josh Vann of California, Tristan Lyons and wife Kendal of Memphis, Jett and Lear Vann of Coleman; beloved uncle and aunt Joe and Charlene Martin of El Paso and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother Frankie Vann; cherished son Matthew Vann; beloved brothers Jimmy Wayne, Martin, and Jerry.
James' viewing will held at the Schaetter Funeral Home at 301 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 on Monday, October 16th from 4-6 pm. Graveside services will be held at the Duren Cemetery at 22 County Road 128, Mullin, Tx 76864 on Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to Duren Cemetery, C/O of Lynetta Duren Barnett, 142 CR 190, Mullin, Texas 76864 or charity of your choice.
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