James "Jim" Keith Vaught

James “Jim” Keith Vaught, age 82 of Mattoon, IL passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Arbor Rose of Charleston, IL. A memorial service in his honor will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL; Reverend Dennis Strawn will officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. An additional visitation will be held Friday evening, June 7, 2024, at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Jim was born on October 29, 1941, in Vincennes, IN to the late Leo and Lela (Fitch) Vaught. He married Marjane “Pat” Patti Patterson on December 27, 1974, in Mattoon, IL. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Pat Vaught of Mattoon, IL, as well as five sons: Gary Filipiak and wife Susan, Kenneth Filipiak and wife Barbara, Shelby Vaught, Mark Filipiak and wife Milena, James Filipiak and significant other Melissa Gelinas. Also surviving are two grandsons, three granddaughters, one future granddaughter-in-law, a niece, one grand girl and many honorary family members. Jim was a firefighter at Mattoon Fire Department for 28 years, retiring as a captain on Jan. 1, 2000. He also served in the National Guard for nearly 6 years. Off-shift and after retiring, Jim was also a self-employed barber for 58 years, welcoming generations of area residents to sit in his chair and participate in one of Jim’s favorite hobbies – swapping stories. He was an avid hunter, enjoying years of friendship with his fellow hunters and always coming homing with at least one harvested deer. In summers, Jim enjoyed fishing and often traveled to Canada’s lakes with his fellow firefighters or family members. He was also well known for sharing his prize homegrown tomatoes and handcrafted walking sticks. Jim was man of his word and always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was an active volunteer at various special needs events, coached youth baseball, and was a pillar within the Mattoon Youth Wrestling Club community. He loved his family immensely and he leaves behind a great void. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Memorials in his honor may be given to Mattoon Youth Choir, 205 Country Club Road, Mattoon, IL 61938 or Mattoon Fire Department, 1812 Prairie Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

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James "Jim" Keith Vaught

October 29, 1941 - May 28, 2024