James LeRoy Vance Jr., age 39, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly late September 13, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie. He was born on December 17, 1985, in Omaha, Nebraska, to James Sr. and Tina (Pergil) Vance.
James’s early childhood in Nebraska introduced him to the value of hard work and ambition, instilling in him a certain fearlessness, a pathway of entrepreneurship and the drive for new opportunity. James’s journey was by design, broad and spectacular, just like him; filled with experiences, friendships, and an uncanny ability to excel in all of his endeavors be it owning his own tattoo parlor or driving new business growth for the regional construction industry. Known for his ideas and concepts in business, construction, and technology, he was in many regards ahead of his time, never deterred and a determined force of nature. Not one to play it safe, to simply ‘test the waters’ was not James, he lived and loved head-first.
On April 12, 2014, James married Catherine “Maggie” Carr of Sault Sainte Marie. Soulmates (both stubborn, neither known for caution, and both inclined to live life to the fullest) found in each other a deep and rare love that only true soulmates can understand. A love that endures and transcends beyond the stars. Although James’s treasures were many, none were so spectacular as those of his and Maggie’s children, Ryder and Scarlett. In Ryder, a son to love, protect, teach, share, and watch grow into a young man capable of overcoming any challenge and adversity in life, to protect and ensure the future. Scarlett, his princess, very much the embodiment of both James and Maggie. Strong willed and much like her dad, without fear, unrelenting, and independent.
James’s loved being out in the elements, be it on the water fishing for walleye with his best friend Galon or grilling and camping. He loved to be around the campfire sharing stories and laughing with family and friends. But his greatest passion was always Maggie and the life they built together. Never one to shy away from any challenge, he was self-taught in life and lived without fear, James took on all the world had to give him. Although his journey on Earth was short-lived by mortal measure, his memory and the imprint he left on the lives of the people he loved and loved him will endure forever.
James was a deep caring and selfless soul, putting others above himself. He helped take care of his grandparents in their later years in the Sault, and in service to his country as a Veteran during his tour of duty in Michigan’s National Guard.
James is survived by his wife, Maggie (Catherine); his son, Ryder and daughter, Scarlett; his mother, Tina (Pergil) Vance; his father and stepmother, James Sr. and Beth Vance; brothers, Austin Vance, Jesse Vance, Brandon Buchholz, Ben McCaleb and his sister Ciara Vance; his wife’s parents, Frederick T. Carr Sr. and Joanne P. Carr; as well as brothers-in-law, Frederick T. Carr Jr. and Christopher J. Carr and sister-in-law, Jennifer (Carr) Mckerchie and countless nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues who loved him dearly.
James was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Jill Pergil of Sault Ste. Marie, and Elijah and Christine Vance of Omaha, NE.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, beginning at 1:00 PM for close family and friends, and at 4:00 PM for the public with pipe ceremony at 7:00 PM. On Friday, September 20, 2024, the traditional ceremony will commence at 10:00 AM with the burial afterwards. A luncheon will follow in the early afternoon at Maloney’s Alley, 227 W Portage Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
Final resting place will be Wilwalk Cemetery on Sugar Island, Michigan.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family.
