James L. Vann

James L. Vann (Jimmy), 74, of Kansas City, KS, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Advent Health Shawnee Mission after a struggle with Covid-19. James was born on September 3, 1946 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Carthel and Ethel Vann. He was man proud of his Choctaw heritage, as the grandson of Mitchell Bobb a WWI code talker. A graduated of Boystown, Omaha, NE class of 1964. Where he played baseball, and participated in choir. For a number of years, he was the Vice President of the Boystown Alumni Kansas City chapter. After high school, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Served in the Vietnam War, as Combat Engineer, 5th Marine Division. Earning National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. After his time in the military, he went on to marry Irene Zaragoza (former spouse), and they had 6 children. He had a long career at Union Pacific Railroad, Burlington Northern Railroad, and finally retiring from KCI Airport. Jimmy was a great father and grandfather, who enjoyed playing cards, pool, watching boxing, and was an avid Chiefs fan. Family time was very important to him, and being surrounded by his many grandchildren. James is preceded in death by his parents Carthel and Ethel Vann; and three siblings, Carthel Vann Jr., Christine Castaneda, and Joseph Vann. He is survived by six children, Jason Vann, Letitia Macias (Frank), Cheryl Vann (Jesse Panuco), Cindy Vann (Vince Valdivia), Lisa Zaragoza, and Michael Zaragoza; his sister Anella Garcia (Phil); sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, and his beloved dog Sonny. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: support.boystown.org, diabetes.org, or volunteer.va.gov Due to COVID-19 restrictions and CDC guidelines the family will be holding a service with 50 people or less, Friday, October 30, 2020 beginning at 10:00 A.M. at Maple Hill Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS. Funeral services will be streamed live on our facebook page at facebook.com/MapleHillFuneralHome Burial will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Due to restrictions those attending the burial are required to stay in their vehicles while at the cemetery.

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James L. Vann

September 3, 1946 - October 21, 2020