James "Jim" Roger Vance

James Roger Vance, Sr., PE, (Jim), 81, of Houston, Texas passed away on September 24, 2022. A native Texan, Jim attended Leon High School and Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, before joining the United States Air Force in 1959. During his time in the United States Air Force, Jim became interested in flying, and developed a lifelong interest in engineering. Following his Honorable Discharge from service in 1963, he pursued a path leading to a career as a Professional Engineer that spanned more than six decades and took him to five continents. He also became a private pilot and enjoyed flying across the USA, and locally with his family and friends. Jim’s passion, however, was music. He played a wide range of instruments, but enjoyed brass and bass the most. He played for Symphonic, Dixieland, and Church Bands and Orchestras—yes, his repertoire in his music was equally as wide as his interests in career and leisure pursuits. He spent leisure time flying and sailing until his later years. He was innovative and collaborative in designing new products, and this work took him through his last year of life. His passion for music was lifelong. In fact, he last played the tuba at all three services for Memorial Drive United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 18, 2022, just days before he passed. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Vivian Barnett Vance; his father, Ralph Edward Vance, Sr.; his brother, Ralph Edward Vance, Jr.; his sister Joyce Vance Nelson and one grandson, Michael Anthony Frey. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie Criswell Vance; his sister Judy Vance Svoboda (Ben); his son, James Roger Vance, Jr. (Rose); his daughter, Mary Catherine Vance Watson (Joe); and his son David Wayne Christian. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Christopher Allan Vance US Navy Chief, and Christina Michelle Frey De Vries (David); and two step-grandchildren: Michelle Pierpoint Nestle and Chelsea Pierpoint Floyd (Tracy). Additionally, he is survived by four great grand-children: Aryah Maria Vance, Dylan Parker De Vries, Vanessa Anne De Vries, and Sytarah Lynn Vance; and one step-great-grand child: Jolie Nestle. Jim had many nephews, nieces, friends, and colleagues whom he also loved. Funeral services will be held Saturday, at two o’clock in the afternoon at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77079, where his beloved Dixieland Band will play a farewell tribute in his honor for his family and friends. In Lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church.

James "Jim" Roger Vance

September 30, 1940 - September 24, 2022