James T. Vassar, 71, of Florence, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015, at his home.

He was born September 21, 1943, in Florence, son of the late Arlington and Dorothy (Miller) Vassar.

Jim grew up in Florence and graduated from Florence High School, Class of 1962. In 1963, he served his country proudly in the United States Army with distinguished service; his career took him to Germany, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, four times, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as many other medals. Jim retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1983, after 20 years. While in the service, he married his first wife Giesela, and they had four children.

He later married Evelyn Force on July 1, 1984, in Florence, where he remained until 1987. Jim traveled with Evelyn to California and Alaska while she served her country. They moved back to Florence in 1992. Jim worked for the ELS Railroad for a few years, the Florence Department of Natural Resources as Fire Tower Watch, he managed Peninsula Oil Company, owned and operated with his wife, Jeb’s Bar in Spread Eagle and most recently they owned Smilin Moon Workshop.

Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Florence, the Florence VFW Post No. 3635 and the Florence American Legion Post No. 211. He enjoyed collecting coins and being with friends and family. Jim will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn and first wife, Giesela; one son, Timmy Vassar, Huntsville, Ala.; two daughters, Dana (Tim) Quinan, Hazel Green, Ala. and Darlene Vassar, Huntsville; two step-sons, Carl (Anita) Melberg III, Kingsford and Robert (Pam) Melberg, Jr., Columbus, Ohio; four brothers, Dennis (Kimberly) Vassar, Commonwealth, Wis., William (Marilyn) Vassar, Aurora, Wis., Robert (Nancy) Vassar, Iron Mountain, Mich. and Patrick Vassar, Crystal Falls, Mich.; one sister, Faye Smith, Florence; seven grandchildren, Kimberly (Marken) Dornan, Ricky Quinan, Benjamin Melberg, Laura Melberg, Alex Melberg, Jordan Chambers and Christopher Jurss; two great-grandchildren, Cayden and Jaxon and and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one infant son, Ricky Vassar, two brothers, Ken and Jerry (infant brother) Vassar.

Visitation will held Friday, July 3, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. The VFW Post No. 3635 and the American Legion Post No. 211 of Florence will conduct a Veteran’s Memorial Service, Friday, 5:45 p.m. at the funeral home. The Funeral Service will be Friday, 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Doug Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Florence.

A memorial will be established in Jim's memory.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence to honor Jim’s Legacy of Life.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Jim or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com