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Dr. James Spangler Vinson, age 84, of Conway, passed away on June 27, 2025, at his residence. He was born on May 17, 1941, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to Wilbur Sylvester Vinson and Anna Minick Spangler. James is survived and deeply missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Susan; daughters, Suzannah and Elizabeth; son-in-law, Eric; five grandchildren, Shaina, Zachary, Samuel, Siena, and Jackson; his chosen sons, Ignacio and Alex; and many dear friends that were like family. James was a lifelong educator and learner. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Gettysburg College in 1963 with a degree in Physics before earning his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Virginia in 1967. He went on to a distinguished career in university administration, serving at McMurray College, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, the University of Hartford, and Trinity University, before retiring as President Emeritus of the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. He loved academic life and often taught 8 a.m. Introduction to Physics classes—even while serving as President. Innumerable students, institutions, and academic organizations benefited from his leadership, support, and counsel. James had an unquenchable curiosity about the world and a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Some of his greatest joy came from traveling with his wife, daughters, and dear friends. He visited all seven continents: he swam in the Antarctic Ocean, studied rhinos in Kenya, tracked mountain gorillas in Rwanda, swam with dolphins in New Zealand, visited excavations in Italy and Greece, toured the Old City of Jerusalem, and whitewater rafted in the Grand Canyon, among many other adventures. He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren, spending countless hours playing with them in the ocean, reading to them, taking them on adventures, and snoozing beside them after a day of fun. When asked to describe their grandfather in a single word, they offered: wisdom, laughter, light, accepting, positivity, happiness, and jokester. He led a big, bright, and full life. His legacy reminds us that we control our attitudes and our actions—and that laughter is the best medicine. The family is planning a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Musselman Library at Gettysburg College. James was a faithful supporter of the library’s Special Collections. Contributions can be directed to Friends of Musselman Library at tinyurl.com/gbfoml or select another library fund at: https://www.gettysburg.edu/musselman-library/about/giving/ Please sign the online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel, is serving the family.

Tributes

Dr. James S. Vinson

May 17, 1941 - June 27, 2025