James Ray Vannice

Jame Ray Vannice (Feb 4, 1929 to March 27, 2024)

The roaring twenties came to an end just months after James was born. The Great Depression was a time that shaped his view of the world. He became a confident child who appreciated that his parents, Roy and Barbara Vannice, could provide a childhood filled with love and adventure despite living in troubling economic times.

James adored his parents and siblings, Charles and Phyllis. This love stayed true thought their adult lives and enriched the lives of his childerns, Eileen (Roy Benson), Kathleen, Don, (Jag Jit Kaur Vannice) and Christine (Christopher Quarles) as well as as his grandchildren, Shane and Jessica Benson, Ian and Grace Quarles and Kevin Vannice.

James accomplished so much during his lifetime, including service to his country. He was an Airforce supply sergeant during the Korean Conflict. His hobbies included flying small planes and partnering with Lee Wells as owners of an office supply store. They enjoyed frequent vacations at the Lake of the Ozarks where he taught his children how to waterski. Most importantly, he valued his marriage to Joan Vannice (Rauch). Together they taught their children to be responsible adults while remembering how to enjoy all that life has to offer. Joan passed in 1991 and James remarried in 2016. He and Wilma enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs.

His home was always open to anyone and it was the norm for guests to be present at the family dinner table. Each of his children knew that their friends were always welcome. Some of those friends, as well as family, attended his last birthday celebration. James loved a reason to celebrate life and insisted on a celebration of life rather than a funeral service. He left his children, grandchildren, as well as his beloved nieces and nephews with much to celebrate and many fond memories.