James E Vann

James Edward Vann, “Jim”, passed away on October 25, 2024. He was born on September 6, 1953, to Aver and Elizabeth Vann. He was married to his beloved wife, Robyn Roberson Vann, for over 47 years. Jim is a Birmingham native and attended Birmingham Public Schools. After graduating from Woodlawn High School, he graduated cum laude from the University of Montevallo and magna cum laude from Cumberland School of Law. Prior to enrolling in law school, he worked for Ernst & Ernst as a Certified Public Accountant. Following law school, he had an over 42-year legal career, and his unmatched work ethic made him an immensely talented contracts attorney. He was honored to serve as President of Dentons Sirote in Birmingham in 2022-2023. During his career at Dentons Sirote, he also served as a Board Member and Shareholder and was a member and former Chair of the Dentons Sirote Real Estate practice group. He received countless recognitions and awards from many prestigious organizations. One award he was particularly honored to receive was the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association.

Jim was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. He modeled the importance of weekly church attendance to his family. He taught Sunday School over the years and hoped to inspire others to follow Jesus. Beyond the Church, Jim’s life was a ministry. He was widely known for his faith, which was evident in the character he displayed in everything he did.

Jim grew up knowing the value of hard work. He worked with his father throughout his adolescence at Mark Ingram’s Shell Service Station in East Lake. Because of that experience, Jim had a lifelong passion for cars. When he was away from the office, it was not uncommon for him to do his own vehicle service and repairs. He and his son rebuilt and restored multiple vehicles, and he and his daughter spent many hours over the years working on her 4Runner. He was truly a man of many talents. He enjoyed time away on his land in Blount County, where he was known to maintain the land, string barbed wire fence, and run a chainsaw at any and every opportunity.

He is survived by his wife, Robyn, children James (Jase) Edward Vann, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Natalie Vann Walker (John), both of Birmingham, grandchildren Caleb Nathaniel Vann, Stephen Joshua Vann, Leah Grace Vann, Wyatt James Walker, and Lydia Ruth Walker, all of Birmingham, siblings Averil Smith (Eric), of Tallahassee, Florida, and Robert Vann (Peggy), of Gulf Shores, Alabama, along with many loving nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Jim was always there and was sought for his wise counsel and advice. He is a mountain of a man, respected by many, and he will be deeply missed. He found inspiration in the story of The Little Engine that Could. He will be remembered in his own way as an engine that could, a boy from Woodlawn who became a distinguished attorney, husband, father, and grandfather.

In 2023, Jim was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Despite such a devastating diagnosis, he walked this difficult path with what he described as “gratitude and surrender.” He routinely expressed his desire to be used to bring glory to God. While many prayed for supernatural healing on Earth so that we might all enjoy many more years together, we know that Jim is fully restored and healed in Heaven. The family would like to thank Dr. Nabors and the entire team at UAB Neuro Oncology who did everything possible to bring steadiness throughout uncertain times.

A celebration of life will take place at Church of the Highlands Chapel, 4700 Highlands Way, Irondale, Alabama, 35210, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and service to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the UAB Neuro Oncology Research Acceleration Fund, https://go.uab.edu/jimvann.