James Agustive "Papa" Vanic, 70, of Holly Hill was welcomed through the Golden Gates of Heaven on May 20, 2015. A Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2015 from 4-6:30pm at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. The Funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 10am at The Basilica of St Paul, 317 Mullally St., Daytona Beach, FL.

James was born 8/24/1944 to John "Shirkey" and Concelia "Sue" (Selvaggio) Vanic in Bethlehem, PA. Jim proudly served his country in the US Air Force. After service, he worked for The Travelers Insurance Co. He later started his own carpentry business, working in the construction industry. Jim moved to Florida 30 years ago. Here he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Jim continued carpentry work here, primarily renovating homes and working at the Flea Market and Dog Track.

Jim enjoyed dancing and singing his favorite song "New York, New York". He loved spending time with his dogs: Tippy, riding shotgun in his white Toyota truck and throwing the frisbee with Bo and Cindi. Jim was a great cook and a happy, fun loving person who made new friends wherever he went. He had a smile so bright and always had a witty remark for everything. Jim enjoyed being a member of the Eagles #4033 and the VFW Post 1590. His greatest passion was his family; they were truly most important to him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and by his son Ronnie. He will be sadly missed by his wife Patricia; by his children Jimmy, Loni, Ricky, Kimberly, Denise, and Shawn; by his grandchildren Brianna, Tiara, Courtnie, Tyler, Zachary, Morgan, Hunter, and Hudson; by his sister Joanne Sterlein (Joe); by his brother John "Jack" Vanic (Rita); by the mother of his children Vickie (Vanic) Kery; by his godchildren Jackie, Lisa, Brian, and Tracee; by numerous nieces and nephews; by his good friends and their families: Jim and Carol Burns, Dave and Bonnie Boyd, John and Roberta Buckel, Mary and Joel Hodges, and Jim Boyle; and by many other friends.

The family sends great thanks and hugs to the doctors and nurses at Florida Hospital and HospiceCare. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jim's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the Cancer Society, and Hospice.

Miles and Miles of memories were made and we all know he has been greeted in Heaven by his loving family and friends and his beloved and loyal companion Tippy. "Rest in Peace, my Love."

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.