James Warren Vawn (1942-2005)

VAWN

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/14/2018 at 22:00:16

James Warren Vawn died on his birthday, Dec. 11, 2005, after being with us for 63 years. He was a gentle and easy man who gave his time to any who asked and his advice and comment to everyone, whether they asked or not.

A memorial gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Clarke County Historical Society.

James was the only child of Marie and Walter Vawn and spent his life in Clarke County. He graduated from high school in 1960 and attended Simpson College, the only time he spent away from the home place. He was elected president of the student boy at Simpson and graduated in 1965. He worked as an auditor for the State of Iowa and the Iowa State Insurance Commissioner and returned to help with the family farm in 1969. He stayed there until he suffered a stroke on Nov. 9 followed by a heart attack on Dec. 11.

James was involved in Clarke County Democrat politics his entire life. His family took him to events when he was young and he was a “Yellow Dog Democrat” the rest of his life. He served as county chair for most of the last forty years.

He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce as treasurer and made only one 2-cent mistake in 20 year. He loved his community and did whatever was needed to promote Osceola. If you needed a flier put up or phone calls made, James would do the work.

James went to garage sales and filled his cars with things he wouldn’t remember buying. It was a good day when he spent five dollars and a normal day when spent less. He filled ten cars and gave homes to countless mice. He did it all with good humor and a good heart.

A passion for James was the Clarke County Historical Society. He could be counted on to keep the doors open though dusting wasn’t a strong suit for him. He knew the county history and would tell stories about obscure events and people as though he knew them all.

He was also on the Board of the South Central Regional Housing because he believed all people needed help and if he could do a little bit it might help someone get a home or live a better life.

James had a sense of place, he knew where he was and that being there was important. He was a good friend and servant to his community We will miss him more than we know and more than he would ever believe.

Osceola Sentinel Tribune December 15, 2005