James William Joseph Vance, 78, of Sheboygan, passed away Tuesday morning, January 4, 2021 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by family.
James William Joseph Vance, known by the name of Joe, was a remarkable man.
Born February 28, 1943 in Kentucky, raised in Salt Lake City.
Lived all over the place out West, including Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho, and for the last several years in Wisconsin.
He was routinely up for a new adventure in learning and when he was physically able, was always ready for a drive in the country or to a State Park just for kicks. His mind stayed sharp until the end even though his body didn’t necessarily appreciate his enthusiasm for going and doing.
He loved hot dogs and football. Bronco fan first, and then a Packer Backer.
He loved anything with tires and a motor.
ATV 4-wheelers, trucks, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and even 18 wheelers.
He was able to tinker around with engines and figure out how something worked. He could take anything apart and be actually quite adept at putting the disassembled parts back together again and have the engine running better than ever.
Not a fan of crowds, but preferring one-on-one deep conversations. In his kids’ busy households, that could be an issue. His grandchildren kept him entertained. He enjoyed them a whole lot more once he lost his capability to hear well. He could sit at the dining room table, shut his hearing aids off, smile because the noise level was tolerable to non-existent, and enjoy the commotion having a large extended family entailed.
He taught three of his kids how to drive, involving some intensity! But then turned around and taught most of his grandchildren how to navigate the roads safely with the patience of a saint. He used to say if he’d known his grandkids would be so great, he would’ve skipped his children altogether and gone straight to being a grandpa.
He loved his dogs. They didn’t give him any grief except for when they died. He appreciated that they never talked back and were content to simply listen to whatever he had to say without any argument or expectations. They were safe for him to lavish affection on them and returned it without any complicating feelings or factors. He liked his dogs better than people most of the time.
He prepared quite carefully for any and all worst-case scenarios on this planet. He lived through a number of disasters so his desire to be equipped to handle them was warranted. He wasn’t an official Boy Scout but “Be Prepared” was his motto and he passed that along to his children.
He was always learning and wanting to expand his knowledge base.
He came to know Jesus as God and Savior as a young father in Sandy, Utah. Thanks to the Bible Time ministry at Berean Baptist Church provided for his small children, he was given the opportunity to hear and embrace the gospel.
He received his B.A. degree from Denver Baptist Bible College in 1980 and went on to take enough continuing education classes online and through the library over the next 40 years that if they’d all be accredited he could’ve gotten his doctorate in theological studies. The Bible was by far his favorite book.
He loved Jewish history and had hoped to visit Israel in person at some point. He didn’t get there in this life but will see the Holy Land in all its restored glory. It will be worth the wait.
When he was told a couple of months ago that his vision, related to diabetes was only going to get worse and he could become completely blind, he bucked up once more and brought home a stack of books determined to learn braille.
Physically disabled with severe rheumatoid arthritis by the age of 32, he lived in some degree of pain which began in his 20’s and lasted for more than 50 years until he died. A roller coaster of flares, surgeries, medications, therapies, doctor visits, and hospitalizations, he was no stranger to terrible suffering. Like Job though, God sustained him and Joe kept the faith that there was redemption in this life and the next. He had and continues to have a HOPE in God who has healed every wound and eased every pain and sorrow now. He no longer remembers any of the awful challenges but is joyfully with the LORD.
His daughter, Amie, who was severely mentally disabled after a bout with meningitis as an infant, died in 1981 at age 11. We’re pretty confident she came running right along with Jesus and others when her Dad arrived in Heaven with open arms and joyful cries of “You’re here!”
The family would love to thank the staff at Sharon Richardson Hospice. What a marvelous group of folks. They made it possible for Joe to be well taken care of at home for months. In his last hours, he was in their beautiful facility with his pain managed, his family by his side, and in that vulnerable state, he was given the dignity and care he so richly deserved. Our hearts are indebted to your competence and kindness on Joe’s and our behalf.
The Celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, January 10th at Crossroads Community Church in Sheboygan, WI. A meal will be served after the service.
Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann. His daughter Cori (Mark), adopted daughter, Patti. Sons, Robert and Brandon. His grandchildren Sarah (Paul), Jonathan (Stephanie), Joshua (Tamara), Johanna, Charity, Mary Elisabeth, Andrew, Emily, Aysia, Tucker, Noa, and King.
Great-grandchildren Ethan and Vivian.
Preceded in death to new life by his daughter, Amie, and grandchildren, Emmalynn, Samuel, and Nehemiah.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements.
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