Obituary of James Bryan Vance

James Bryan Vance Bainbridge, NY James Bryan Vance: the celebration of a life that began September 14, 1957 and was set free on May 24, 2012. Jim was the 23rd recipient of a bi-lateral lung transplant on May 13, 1991. He received the lungs from a 19-year-old girl. The surgery was performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. On September 5, 2001 Jim's wife donated her left kidney to Jim (which saved her from buying Jim a birthday present that year!) Jim's mission in life was to enjoy and savor each day to the fullest. Every day was a gift for Jim and all who knew him knew his favorite word to describe how he was doing was "Phenomenal!" Jim was a skilled stone wall builder and landscape artist. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Sidney and was a past president of the club and served on the Board of Directors for several years. He and his wife began The Houndstooth Bakery and Boutique on May 22, 2002. In 2008, the shoppe moved to a bigger location which now boasts a 2 acre off lead dog park which was designed and maintained by Jim and will forever remain a legacy to his love for dogs. Jim's cathedral was the forest. Being in the woods brought Jim peace and serenity. A lover of all wildlife, flowers and trees, he respected and appreciated nature. On July 16, 1994, Jim was married to Cassandra Muller in the forest at Buttermilk Falls in the Adirondacks. Throughout all of Jim's many health challenges (or speed bumps as we often called them), he never complained or lost sight of his true mission-to encourage living life to it's fullest. Jim is survived by: His loving wife, Cassie Vance of Bainbridge, and his devoted "herd" of Basset Hounds Mother, Nance Vance of Afton Father, James O. Vance of Afton Brother, Jon and Amy Vance and their son, Jonathan of San Diego, CA Sister, Janet and Terry Blumer and their children, Kasey, Kristie and Kurtis of Derwood, MD Brother, Jeff and Amy Vance and their daughters, Stephanie and Lindsay of Afton Sister-in-law, Cheryl and Robert Dann and their children Erin and Nicole of Bainbridge Brother-in-law, Scott and Mandy Muller and their children, Wayne and Desarae of Missoula, MT Uncle, William and Arlene Vance of NJ As well as numerous cousins and friends. A huge barbeque will be held to celebrate and honor Jim's time here on earth in early July and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the only donation Jim would ever ask of anyone is to consider becoming an organ donor. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.