James Albert Vann Jr.

Vann and Althea Lizana Vann.

After graduation from Auburn University with a BS in Business, he was general manager of Dixie Electric Cooperative in Union Springs for over 30 years. Then after becoming President and CEO of Alabama Electric Cooperative, he became a leader among generation and transmission cooperatives in the United States. He was an important and integral part of rural electrification in Alabama. He was one of the founders of National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative. In 2002 the Vann Plant in Gantt, Alabama was named in his honor.

James was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Vann Stokes.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Watson Vann; his sons, David Larry Vann of Melbourne, FL ,Timothy James Vann of Calera and Al (Jean) Vann of Union Springs; his daughters, Beverly (Mac) Smith and Mary Melissa (Joey) Smith of Madison; granddaughter, Rachael (Luther) Allison of Madison; grandsons Chase (Scarlett) Smith of Harvest, and Josh (Stefanie) Smith of Madison; granddaughter, Abbey (Tyler) Mask of Aiken, SC; grandson, Nathan Smith of Madison; grandson, Beck Vann of Union Springs; six great-grandchildren, Mattie Allison, Luke Allison, Anna Chase Allison, Mariannie Rachael Allison, and Brooklyn Smith, all of Madison; Mac Smith of Harvest; sister, Betty Vann Collins of Lizella, GA; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 18 at Leak Memory Chapel from 1:00-2:00 pm. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, and graveside to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery with Rev. Tom Randall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice. On line condolences may be made at www.LEAK-MC.com.