James McDonald Vinson

James McDonald Vinson, 76, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 in the company of his loved ones. His life is celebrated by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His intelligence, patience and generosity were unsurpassed.

His early years were defined by the beaches of Florida. Beginning with the family run Gulf Breeze Cottages then running in slow motion on Pensacola Beach with his prankster brother as they ensured the safety of the beach goers.

He spent his working years as a computer scientist and continued his love of electronics and gadgets into his retirement years. He enjoyed figuring out how to use the latest and greatest gadgets and also the challenges of finding resolutions for the old and out-dated ones. He never met an electronic, mechanical or network challenge he couldn’t conquer. He especially loved to explain these technical feats to his wife and watch her eyes glaze over as she started to shudder.

He was a handsome, old school gentleman with piercing blue eyes and crazy curly hair, who loved his family and never complained about his wife’s cooking. He shared his life’s journey happily married to his best friend and giggle buddy, Judy, for 52 years, never missing an opportunity to say “I Love You”.

Jim was a quiet man with a keen wit and dry sense of humor. His constant subtle jokes and witty comments kept the family perpetually in stitches or at least scratching their heads. He loved filling the house with orchestral music from his personal music collection and sweetening the air with the smell of fresh baked peanut butter cookies.

He was blessed with three grandchildren who were always excited to see him and see what fun electronics he had acquired since their previous visit. He appreciated their individual personalities and interests always catering to each.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter whom he loved and cherished with all his heart. He supported his children with every fiber of his being even if that meant supporting lifestyles or beliefs he didn’t share. He is the best dad, husband, Poppy, brother, son and uncle to ever live on planet earth! We are all very grateful for the time we had with him and will miss him very much.

A man who vowed to never wear a tuxedo as long as he lived. We’ll bury you in one… “well I won’t be alive now will I”.

In remembrance of James M. Vinson's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Salvation Army. (Donate to The Salvation Army National Donation Page (salvationarmyusa.org))