James Vaughn, Jr.

Mr. James Ebert Vaughn Jr., 69, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his family at his side at the early morning of Saturday, the 31st of January 2015. James Ebert Vaughn Jr. was born in Laredo, Texas but was raised by his parents in Zapata Texas during the early part of his life. James was the second of five children. James E. Vaughn Jr. joined the United States Army in December 1966 at the age of 21. He went through basic training and earned his wings as a Para-Trooper. At that point he joined the 173rd Airborne Brigade "Sky Soldiers" although James would call them "The Herd". He was then deployed to Vietnam War where he fought for three consecutive years. Once he completed his tour in the Vietnam War, James was Honorably Discharged as an Army Sergeant in December 1970. James then made his way back to Zapata and Laredo Texas where he married the love of his life Gloria Elia Sanchez on February 14, 1970. James and Gloria were married for 45 years. Together they had four wonderful children: Leticia Janie Vaughn, James Ebert Vaughn III, Robert Vaughn, and Gloria Elia Vaughn. While raising his family, James worked in the oil field business for almost 20 years until he retired in 1992. Once retired, James started doing the things that he loved to do, primarily spending time with his family. James had a passion for fishing, especially with his two brothers and his two sons; his grandchildren inherited that same passion after fishing with their Grandpa. He also enjoyed started spending time with his military friends by attending the military functions that were offered in their honor. He was a proud Army veteran. James was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was loved by his family. Although quiet and reserved his grandchildren loved and adored him just the same. James E. Vaughn Jr. was a man of all trades. He was always willing to help his children, family, friends, and anyone and everyone that would ask for his help. He took pride in helping others wire, build and weld-all from the head and heart never requiring blueprints. James did not know the word "no" when it came to helping others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His family will forever remember the deep voice in which he proudly sang- US Army Ranger Cadence: If I Die in the Drop Zone Rangers, rangers, All the way, All the way, Here we go, here we go, C130 rolling down the strip, Airborne daddy gonna take a little trip, Mission unspoken, destination unknown, Don't even know if were ever coming home, Stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door, Jump right out and count to four, If my main don't open wide, I've got a reserve by my side, And if that one should fail me too, Look out ground I'm coming through, And if I die on the ole drop zone, Box me up and ship me home, Pin my wings upon my chest, Tell my girl I did my best, Bury me in the lean and rest, When I get to heaven, St. Peters gonna say, How'd you earn your livin', Boy, how'd you earn your pay, I will reply with a whole lot of anger, Earned my pay as an Airborne Ranger He is predeceased by his parents: James Ebert Vaughn Sr. and Amelia Arizpe Vaughn; brother: Raymond Lee Vaughn. Left behind to cherish the many wonderful memories are his wife: Gloria Elia Sanchez-Vaughn; children: Leticia Janie (Saul) Rodriguez, James Ebert (Josephine) Vaughn III, Robert (Vanessa Zimmerman) Vaughn, and Gloria Elia Vaughn. He will be remember by his loving grandchildren: Dagoberto Michael (Olivia Castro) Rodriguez Jr., Mark Anthony Rodriguez, Mathew Rodriguez, Hector Ortiz, Jr., Savion Lyander Rodriguez, James Ebert Vaughn IV, Jada Alysse Vaughn, Julius Jacob Vaughn, Jonah Nicholas Vaughn, Robert Vaughn Jr., Elizabeth Enriqueta Estrada as well as two adored great-grandchildren: Evah Areily Rodriguez and Dagoberto Michael Rodriguez III; brother John Edward (Nora) Vaughn and sisters Joann (Blas) Reyes and Haydee Wayda. The family will be receiving guests the evening of Wednesday, the 4th of February 2015 at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., from 5 until 9 in the evening. A Vigil and Rosary is scheduled to begin at 7 o'clock. Funeral procession will depart the chapel at 8:20 in the morning on Thursday, the 5th of February 2015 to San Vicente de Paul Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 in the morning. Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Laredo City Cemetery. Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 59 and Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be: Robert Vaughn, Saul Rodriguez, Dagoberto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Mark Anthony Rodriguez, Mathew Rodriguez and James E. Vaughn IV You may extend your condolences to the family online at www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com The family has entrusted the arrangements to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850.