James Vernon Vaughn

James Vernon "Jimmy" Vaughn died on August 5, 2024, at his home in Watkinsville, Georgia, at the age of 87.

Jimmy was born on February 16, 1937, in Oconee County to Ernest Vernon Vaughn and Rebecca Dickerson Vaughn. He graduated from Berry High School in Rome, Georgia and attended Young Harris College before joining the United States Navy where he attended flight school. After leaving the service and returning to Watkinsville, Jimmy worked at Anaconda before obtaining his pilot’s license, securing an airplane, and becoming a crop duster in 1962. Jimmy worked for many years for the agricultural community around Northeast Georgia as one of the only crop dusters in the area. In the off-season, Jimmy also worked as a pilot for the Georgia Forestry Commission for many years. 

When he wasn’t flying, Jimmy could often be found fishing, hunting, or tinkering in his beloved shop. He was seldom more focused than when trying to fix or restore some gadget or piece of machinery. His 1964 Ford pickup truck that he has owned since its manufacture is a testament to his skill as a mechanic and a fixer of all things.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane McDougal Vaughn. Together, they had three daughters: Karen Vaughn Wenzel (Scott) of Tillamook, Oregon; Karla Vaughn Varriano (John) of Memphis, Tennessee; and Kelli Vaughn Winter of Atlanta, Georgia. He has six grandchildren: Anna Wenzel Gunderson (Palmer), Louis James Varriano, John Henry Varriano, Sofia Anna Varriano, Audrey Claire Winter, and Jackson Henry Winter. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Karen.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9, at Lord and Stephens, West Chapel at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jimmy’s life.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com