James H. "Bucky" Vance, 86, Juniata, died Friday morning at his residence. He was born in Altoona, son of the late George Howard "Dougie" and Estella (Shu) Vance. He married Arlene Nale, who preceded him in death July 1, 1980. Surviving are his life companion, Joyce Graham; two sons: John of Newry and James M. (Janet) of Altoona; a daughter, Jacalyn Walter (Jay) of Altoona; five grandchildren: Jamie Lyn, Nikki, Jennifer, Matt and Richard; five great-grandchildren: Josh, Emily, Shawn, D.J. and Cody; four stepchildren: Billie Politi (Dennis), with whom he resided, Jo Graham of Altoona, Denise Dougal (Howard) of Altoona and Candace Tate of Altoona; six step grandchildren: Brian, Shane, Mary, Sean, Rochelle and Kristee; 13 stepgreat-grandchildren: Asha, Elliott, Frankie, Tre, Gianna, Katelyn, Riley, Travis, Zachary, Abigayle, Dylyn, Chelsey and Tyler; one stepgreat-great-grandchild, Landon; a sister, Louise Hofer in Florida; numerous nieces and nephews; and Pappy's little buddy, his granddog, Barkley. He was preceded in death by a sister, Laura. Mr. Vance was a graduate of Altoona High School. During WWII, he served in the Navy from 1942-46. He retired from the City of Altoona Highway Yard and Milton Freight. He was a former member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was a member of AARP, Juniata Civic Association, AAA, Altoona Horseshoe Chorus and Froshinn Singing Society and was a lifetime member of the Bavarian Aid Society. His hobbies included AAHS football games, the Altoona Curve, the Game Show Network, pinochle and casinos. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2009, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home Inc., Juniata, where a funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Ralph Hamer officiating. Interment at Blair Memorial Park, Bellwood, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Altoona Mirror, Sunday, April 12, 2009