James Ellis VanVactor, 74, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Harry S. Truman Memorial Hospital in Columbia.

A Memorial Service at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville will be held at a later date.

Mr. VanVactor was born on June 8, 1947, in Mexico, the son of Austin and Gertrude (Brynt) VanVactor. On April 22, 1990, in Mexico, he married Lois VanVactor.

James spent most of his working years as a paramedic at Audrain Medical Center.  He was also a volunteer firefighter for Little Dixie for over 25 years.  James was known as quite a jokester.  BBQ was one of his favorite foods.  James did a little of everything, some of his hobbies included woodworking, model HO gauge trains, hunting, fishing and working on lawnmowers.

Survivors include his wife; Lois VanVactor of Mexico; one son, James Alex (Heidi) VanVactor of Mexico; one daughter, Dawn VanVactor of Las Vegas, NV; three step-children, Valeri (Matthew) Lyon of Armstrong, Holly (Nalt) Sam of Columbia, Rhoda Wieberg of Mexico; three brothers, Kenny VanVactor of Mexico, Lester (Marilyn) VanVactor of Mexico and Eddie (Shirley) VanVactor of Springfield; one sister, Hazel Schlatock of Columbia; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. VanVactor was preceded in death by one sister, Velma VanVactor.