Obituary of Jim A. Vining

Jim A. Vining, 74, passed away January 8, 2022, in Lacey, Washington, his home of 51 years. He was born August 11, 1947, to DeWitt and Mae Vining in Olympia.

Jim graduated from North Thurston High School in 1965, and attended the University of Oregon for three years, where he studied architecture. Professionally, he was self-employed in residential construction, fencing, and housing developments in the Olympia area.

He married Lenore Wilson on December 20, 1969, at Faith Lutheran Church in Olympia. Jim and Lenore traveled and cruised for several years immediately following retirement. Their best years were the recent years, where they just enjoyed being together at home. Jim was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives, playing games, spending time individually with each one, teaching them how to use tools, and fishing.

Jim loved Bible study and teaching. He participated in many local churches, and volunteered at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission, cooking and leading Bible studies for many years. Putzing in the shop with wood, and building furniture, with his many tools was an enjoyment for Jim. He was always very caring about the people of his community, including local jail ministry, seeking opportunities to share about his Jesus. Jim also cared about orphans in other countries. When he learned of an orphanage in need in Uganda, he felt called to help finance the orphanage in becoming self-sufficient through building dormitories, classrooms, bathrooms, drilling a well on the property, and making space to plant crops and raise livestock for their own use.

He is survived by his best friend of 52 years, Lenore Vining; daughters, Stefanie Gripp and Jenna Webster; grandchildren, Ashlynn (18), Kailee (15), Jackson (13), Brayden (11), Jazzy (9), and Jaylen (7); and brother, Dan Vining (wife, Barb) – all of Olympia. Jim was predeceased by his parents; and grandson, Andrew.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2022, at1:30 p.m. at City Life Church, 4205 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

Memorial donations may be made to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 7668, Olympia, WA 98507; or Grace of Hope Ministry and Orphanage Uganda, c/o Real Life Communities, 2415 Springer Lane NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

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