James Arthur Vaughan, Jr. , son of James Arthur Vaughan, Sr. and Iva Myrtle (Lynch) Vaughan, was born March 8, 1931, in Clifty, Arkansas. He departed this life on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the age of ninety-three years, seven months, and six days. On March 15, 1943, Jim made his profession of faith in Christ and was baptized by his brother-in-law, Reverend W.F. Lown, at Rogers, Arkansas.

On May 26, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to Rita Ann Cline; to this union, four children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, his son- in-law, Darrell Walden, and his great-grandson, Lucas Walden.

Jim is survived by his wife, Rita, of the home; his daughter, Tammy Walden of Camdenton, Missouri; his sons, James (Jamie) Vaughan of Springfield; Robert (Cheyenne) Vaughan of Billings, and Shane (Sherri) Vaughan of Ozark; his grandchildren Dillon (Tiffany) Walden of Richland, Missouri; Codi (Brandon) Shepherd of Montreal, Missouri; Catherine (Ryan) Bell-Vaughan of Springfield; Audrey Vaughan of Springfield; Nela Vaughan and Erin Vaughan of Billings, Missouri; Emma Vaughan, Hannah Vaughan, Olivia Vaughan and Eli Vaughan of Ozark, Missouri; and his great-grandchildren Landon Dolan, Laney Walden, Logan Walden, Leland Walden, Lylah Walden, Levi Walden, Sadie Shepherd, Barrett Shepherd, and Ricky Shepherd.

Jim graduated from Rogers (Arkansas) High School in 1949 and received his BS in Social Studies and Physical Education from Northeastern State at Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in 1953. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1953 to 1955. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Jim got his first coaching job at Goodman High School, where he coached boys' basketball, baseball, and girls' volleyball. Unfortunately, Jim had never seen a volleyball game before, and the girls on the team had to teach him how the game was played. In 1957, Jim went to Golden City, where he coached football, basketball, and track and served as High School Principal. In 1963, Jim and Rita moved to Springfield, and Jim began his career at Hillcrest High School, where he remained for more than 50 years, coaching football, track and field, cross- country, and American Legion baseball. Wanting to stay in touch with basketball, Jim decided in 1963 to officiate "just a few games." When he retired from officiating in 2000, Jim had officiated hundreds of games, including districts, sectionals, state championships, 162 games in the Blue and Gold Tournament, and 16 years of games in the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions. In 2004, Jim was inducted into the Southwest Missouri Basketball Officials Association Hall of Fame. In 2005, Jim was inducted into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2020, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Jim had a gift for motivating athletes and helping young people recognize their potential. But his greatest gift was being a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His memory will live forever in the stories that will continue to be told of him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Glendale Gardens and Haven Home Health & Hospice for their loving care of Coach.