James Harvey Vaughan

Jim, known to his grandchildren as Papa or Papa Jim, was a man of intention, loyalty, and determination who loved fiercely. There was nothing more important to him than the wellbeing of his family and was always the first to ask a question, ready with a follow-up to learn more.

He enjoyed many uniquely beautiful chapters throughout his life. He was the devoted husband to his wife June for 63 years and a loving father to two children, Lynn and Ray. As an Eagle Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, he guided his son Ray to become an Eagle Scout as well. He was a lifelong member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Kansas City, where he raised a champion named Major. A skilled tradesman and member of the Local 8 Plumber's Union, Jim worked the majority of his career at Midwest Mechanical, providing expertise that helped build some of Kansas City's most iconic structures. He loved giving back to his community through his involvement with the Ararat Shriners, leading shuttles between Kansas City and St. Louis to help children receive the specialty care they needed. In his free time, he loved spending weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks on his boat and taking cruises with June.

Jim took an active role in the lives of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He intentionally and effortlessly involved himself in what mattered to them - from sports to birthdays to hobbies - showing up for all the moments, no matter how big or small.

We will celebrate his beautiful life with a visitation on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. A reception will follow at Colonial Village, located at 12500 West 137th Street, Overland Park, Kansas, where we will gather to share memories of the man who brought so much joy and strength to all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ararat Shriners Hospital Transportation - PO BOX 1930 Blue Springs MO 64013.