Jim Vaden

James R. (Jim) Vaden, age 83, passed away in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, August 24, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents James C. and Lourene Vaden; sister Joyce Ann Ray and his dachshund, Bosco. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Vaden; his sister Kathy (Ron) Cundall; three children, Jackie (Clay) Keltner, Lisa (Terry) Hudgins, Danny (Rebecca) Vaden; his grandson Chad Hudgins; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and his faithful dachshund, Cooper. Jim was a celebrated athlete in high school and early college years, playing football, basketball, and baseball. A proud 1963 graduate of The University of Tennessee, Jim was a lifelong Volunteer Fan. He was a career State of Tennessee employee serving as Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance for the Tennessee Board of Regents and later Assistant to the Director with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. He was generous and protective, always putting his family and friends before himself and always sharing his knowledge, resources and opinions with friends, family and strangers alike. Jim always pushed himself and others to not only live up to their potential, but to surpass it as he always reminded us that there is nothing to be in life but the best. Often you would find Jim enjoying the outdoors and the vast wildlife that surrounded his family home. He loved his koi pond and traveling with Nancy. He was especially fascinated by the culture and history of Japan and was always eager to share stories of their trips with family and friends back home in Tennessee. Throughout his life, Jim admired antique cars and trucks. He appreciated the design and classic beauty of their lines, but he really loved those engines! If it had wheels, he was going to see how fast it could go. Jim will be missed by his family and friends around the world and will be fondly remembered by us all for years to come, until we are reunited with him again. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to charities close to the Vaden family’s heart. They are, Tennessee Camp for Diabetic Children, 1854 Joseph Terrace, Hixson, Tn 37343 or Cheatham County Christmas Anonymous , PO Box 146, Ashland City, Tn. 37015. May your cars always be fast and GO VOLS! AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinbell.com