Obituaries

James W. “Jim” Vaughan passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 surrounded by the love of the family he cherished so deeply. Jim was born to the late Harold and Mildred Vaughan (nee Cable) on May 17, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jim first met the love of his life, Joan, at the age of 14 at a swimming pool. Though life took them in different directions for a time, including Jim’s proud service in the United States Navy, fate brought them back together in 1983. That reunion began a beautiful 42-year marriage. Together, they blended a loving family.

Jim had a lifelong love for the water. If it had a shoreline and was within driving distance, he was happy. He especially treasured boating and fishing trips with his grandchildren to Bardstown and Cave Run Lake. Houseboat trips, camping trips, and cruises with Joan created some of their favorite memories. In recent years, he took up a new hobby – crafting his own fishing lures.

Known to many on the airwaves as “Jungle Jim,” he enjoyed connecting with others through CB and HAM radio, always ready with a story or a friendly conversation. He was also a proud member of the Alexandria Masonic Lodge and co-founder of the Licking Valley Bass Anglers Club.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his son, James W. “Jimmy” Vaughan, sister, Beverly Wolfe, brother, Thomas Vaughan, his niece Amy Broughton, nephew, Richard Stanfield, grandson, Brandon Bryant and his beloved cat, Pretty Boy.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Vaughan, his children; Lisa (Chris) Bryant, Michele (Shawn) Connett, Sherry (Scott) Wymer, Theresa (Kelly) Allen, and daughter in law, LeeAnn (George) Michalek, his grandchildren; Jessica (Michael) Holloway, Alicia Vaughan, Doug (Christine) Bryant, Dylan (Jill) Bryant, Matthew Bryant (Hannah Andino-Gautier), TJ Connett, Samantha (Bradley) Moore, Allen Connett, Emily Wymer, Adam Wymer, Riley Allen, Landon Allen, William Allen, and Jace Allen, great-grandchildren; Tenley, Everley, Nolan, Amelia, Lucas, and William, his brother, Joseph Michael (Debbie) Broughton, sister and brother in law, Patty (Gary) Chinn, nieces and nephews; Jon Wolf, Lynn Whistner, Scott Broughton, Michelle Stanfield, John Stanfield, Alesha Meyn, and Alex Chinn; his cat, Cutie, as well as many extended family members.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00am until the time of Masonic Service at 11:45am. A funeral service will be held following the Masonic Service at 12:00pm. Burial will take place following the service at John’s Hill Cemetery in Wilder, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fishing Has No Boundaries (52 East Crescentville Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 Suite E) or Cross and Crown Church (6143 Mission Way, Cold Spring, KY 41076).