James Donald Vance

James Donald Vance, 77, of Wheatland, Missouri (formerly of Raytown, Missouri), passed away August 20, 2021. Visitation will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services and graveside services to immediately follow.

Survivors include his wife Ramona June Vance of Wheatland, Missouri, his brother Joe Vance (wife Kathy Vance) of Overland Park, Kansas, his daughter Karla Kristine Brownfield (husband Jim Brownfield) of Blue Springs, Missouri, his son Donald Trevor Vance (wife Laura Vance) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and grandchildren Kelsie Vance, Hayden Wallace, Tanner Vance, Curtis Brownfield, Valerie Brownfield, and Morgan Wallace.

He was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Lydia Vance, his wife Patricia Ann Vance after 37 years of marriage and his sister Janice Lee Eckroat.

He was born December 17, 1943 in Lebanon, Missouri to Virgil and Lydia Vance. They moved to Kansas City, where Jim graduated from East High School in 1961. Growing up, he enjoyed playing baseball as a catcher and the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and was initiated into the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jim enlisted in the Air Force in 1962 and attended The University of Indiana for training, where he learned 4 years of Russian in 9 months. In 1963 he married his best friend Pat Smalley and they lived the military life by relocating overseas. Initially he was stationed in Berlin, Germany in the position of Voice Interception Specialist. He attained the rank of Airman 3rd class and later was transferred to London as a Jet Engine Mechanic. When back in the states he worked for General Motors for 35 yrs.

In 1965 Jim and Pat welcomed their daughter Kristy followed by the arrival of Trevor in 1967. Kristy, Trevor, and their grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy for Jim and Pat.

After Pat’s passing in 2001, Jim enjoyed his retirement by pursuing several lifelong passions, including obtaining his private pilot’s license. One of his favorite memories was taking his daughter and grandkids for a solo flight. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing so much that he drove in the Richard Petty driving experience at Kansas Speedway and hit speeds of 120 MPH!

He was also very skilled at leatherwork and made purses, wallets, belts, and Christmas ornaments for loved ones. Part of his retirement was also spent working with his son tending the grounds surrounding the Harry S Truman Sports Complex, giving him endless acres to mow. He spent many an evening listening to his favorite team, the Royals, on the radio with this beloved Bassett Gus.

September 29th of 2011 he married Mona Culbertson and moved to Wheatland, Missouri. Together they enjoyed the relaxed pace of life in the country. Jim welcomed Mona’s side of the family and he enjoyed spending time with them on their many trips to Texas. They enjoyed retirement by watching their children and grandchildren’s many activities.

Jim was a strong, quiet man who loved to listen and not talk too much. He was kind, patient and will be missed greatly by those who loved him. We know heaven got a good one and we will have another guardian angel watching over us.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation