James W. "Jim" Vaughan

James W. “Jim” Vaughan passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished. Born on May 17, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Harold and Mildred Vaughan (née Cable), Jim lived a life deeply connected to the people and places he loved.

At age fourteen, Jim met the love of his life, Joan, at a swimming pool. After years apart, including his proud service in the United States Navy, they reunited in 1983 and shared a devoted 42-year marriage, blending their families into one. Jim had a lifelong passion for the water. He treasured boating and fishing trips with his grandchildren to Bardstown and Cave Run Lake, as well as houseboat adventures, camping, and cruises with Joan. In later years, he took up crafting his own fishing lures. Known on the airwaves as “Jungle Jim,” he enjoyed connecting with others through CB and HAM radio. He was also a proud member of the Alexandria Masonic Lodge and co-founder of the Licking Valley Bass Anglers Club.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, James W. “Jimmy” Vaughan, his sister Beverly Wolfe, his brother Thomas Vaughan, his niece Amy Broughton, his nephew Richard Stanfield, his grandson Brandon Bryant, and his beloved cat Pretty Boy.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Vaughan; his children, Lisa (Chris) Bryant, Michele (Shawn) Connett, Sherry (Scott) Wymer, Theresa (Kelly) Allen, and daughter-in-law LeeAnn (George) Michalek; his grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Holloway, Alicia Vaughan, Doug (Christine) Bryant, Dylan (Jill) Bryant, Matthew Bryant (Hannah Andino-Gautier), TJ Connett, Samantha (Bradley) Moore, Allen Connett, Emily Wymer, Adam Wymer, Riley Allen, Landon Allen, William Allen, and Jace Allen; his great-grandchildren, Tenley, Everley, Nolan, Amelia, Lucas, and William; his brother Joseph Michael (Debbie) Broughton; his sister and brother-in-law Patty (Gary) Chinn; many nieces and nephews; his cat Cutie; and extended family members.