James Vance Snow

Born in Pickens, SC on September 17th, 1943, Jim was the son of Isham Snow of Hartsville Georgia (a Sergeant with the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp at Table Rock) and Sara Anderson. The second of three children, born after his late sister, Mildred and survived by his younger brother, Philip.

His beginnings were humble, growing up in a one room cabin and attending the two-room schoolhouse

at what is now the Oolenoy Community house.

At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Air Force where he served as an instructor of electronic equipment and radar repair. It was also here where he developed a passion for electronics and strong values of hard work and craftsmanship. This passion and drive would culminate in the ownership of a data services company, CompuTec Services, where he would employ his children, grandchildren and community members while providing excellent service for his customers.

While stationed in Biloxi, he met Jonnie Varnadore and they had three beautiful children: Diedra

Georgette, James Vance II, and Elizabeth Anne. From Biloxi, Jim and his family moved to North Carolina.

There he taught himself to play the guitar. This would be the beginning of a lifelong passion for

Bluegrass music – one that spoke more than words, connected him to his family and friends, and carried

him to some of his highest moments in life. He has left a great influence and impact on those he taught,

picked, and performed with.

From North Carolina, he moved to Houston, Texas, to pursue a career with Chevron Oil. There, he met

and married his second wife, Iris Jackson, and had his fourth and last child, Jason Denman. While in

Houston, his brother Philip purchased a subscription to the Pickens Sentinel for him, which he often read thinking of home. With the passing of his father in 1977, Jim decided to return to his home place, moving back to Pickens where his roots grew deeper and his family tree began to grow new limbs.

Utilizing his many talents of carpentry, craftsmanship and electrical knowledge, he restored his Grandmother’s old home place, the very same place where his son Jimmy raised his boys and daughter Beth raised her family. He was a founding member of the Pumpkintown Pumpkin Festival, which just completed its 41st year. The festival was created to raise funds for the local volunteer fire department and support his neighbors.

While working for Digital Equipment Corp as the Southeast District Business Manager, Jim met the love of his life, Cheryl Logan. After a long and adventurous courtship they celebrated their marriage at the Olenooy Community Center. They built their dream home on family property, continuing and furthering the legacy of the Snow family. Through the years, they saw the birth of his nine grandchildren, starting in 1985 with Ashley Faye then followed by Oliver Forrest, James Vance III, Emma Elizabeth, Helen Murphy, Maren Elizabeth, Carter Thomas, Anabelle Elise, and Elliot Vassar as well as two great-grandchildren.

Some may say he lost his life, but he found and lived a beautiful life, filled with pride in his work, an ear

for good music, and a deep and devoted love for his family. There will be a “Celebration of Life” gathering for Jim after the first of the year 2022.

Video Tribute Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE97DG-XdCI&t=12s