James G. Vance

James Gallinger Vance, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away on Sunday, October 26, at Golden Homes in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 11:00AM, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Bob Braman officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 29, from 4:00-8.00PM, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church Capitol Fund Drive. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence, or to sign the family guest book, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Mr. Vance was born March 23, 1928, in St. Joseph, MI, to Raymond and Ruth Vance. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1946. Jim was a member of the St. Joseph High School football and basketball teams. On March 23, 1946, on his birthday, the basketball team won the State Championship. In September 1946 he enlisted in the United States Army during WWII. He was assigned to the 3186 Signal Battalion Company B, where he reached the rank of Sergeant and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan in December of 1946. He attended Benton Harbor Junior College in 1949 and in 1951 transferred to Albion College in Albion, MI, and graduated in 1953 with majors in History and Political Science and a minor in Psychology. Jim was successful in pursing several career avenues. In 1963 he became a Safety Manager with Safety Services in Kalamazoo, MI. He was instrumental in the development of Eaton Park in Lincoln Township. Jim retired in 1993 from Safety Centers, Inc. in South Holland, IL, as a Safety Consulting Engineer. He retired to pursue his second greatest love, besides his wife, the game of golf. In the same year of his retirement he was inducted into the St. Joseph High School Hall of Fame. A proud day in his life because of his love for sports. Jim was a member of the First Congregational Church; and a member of the St. Joseph Elks Lodge #541 for 51 years and a life member for 11 years. The Elks lodge will conduct services at the funeral home Wednesday evening at 7:30PM. Mr. Vance is survived by his wife, the former Joyce Meister Heppler, whom he married in December 1984; son, Robin Vance of St. Joseph; daughter, Shawn (Scott) Dixon of Bowling Green, OH; stepchildren, Kurt Heppler of Tucson, AZ, and Gretchen Heppler of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Shannon Dixon and Shane Dixon of Bowling Green, OH; step grandsons, Kyle Heppler and Kamen Heppler of Tucson, AZ; one brother Vere (Bernice) Vance of Hot Springs, AK, and brother and sister-in-laws Jim and Caryl Meister. Preceding him in death are his parents, and one brother Harry Vance. Jim will always be remembered for his Irish twinkle and his playful grin.